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By Lydia Mee
Sports Contributing Writer
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Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his lifelong battle with mental health during his childhood and the highs and lows of his racing career.
During an incredibly open interview with The Times, the British driver revealed:
"When I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phases. I mean, I've struggled with mental health through my life.
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"Depression. From a very early age, when I was, like, 13. I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to."
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He continued:
"I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn't really helpful. I would like to find someone today."
Growing up as a Black man in motorsport, Hamilton encountered significant barriers and prejudice. Reflecting on his childhood and the profound impact of Ayrton Senna's death in 1994, he added:
"I remember going to the front and crying, bawling my eyes out.
"I couldn't cry in front of my dad, he was not that kind of guy.
"I didn't understand it. [My parents] never explained what was going on. My dad was just, 'Keep your head down, hold it in, don't say anything, just beat them on the track, that's all you can do.'
"You're learning about things that have been passed down to you from your parents, noticing those patterns, how you react to things, how you can change those.
"What might have angered me in the past doesn't anger me today. I am so much more refined."
Despite his immense success with seven championships, 105 race wins, and 104 pole positions, Hamilton's career has also been punctuated by personal challenges.
Hamilton's 2024 season has been a mixed bag, however, he did become the first driver to win a race after entering more than 300 in his career with his victory at the British Grand Prix. He is currently running in the sixth position in the drivers' championship with 174 points.
2024 Formula 1 Drivers' Championship: Current Standings
1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull - 331 points
2. Lando Norris, McLaren - 279 points
3. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari - 245 points
4. Oscar Piastri, McLaren - 237 points
5. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari - 190 points
6. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes - 174 points
7. George Russell, Mercedes - 155 points
8. Sergio Perez, Red Bull - 144 points
9. Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin - 62 points
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Haas - 24 points
11. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin - 24 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda, VCARB - 22 points
13. Alex Albon, Williams - 12 points
14. Daniel Ricciardo - 12 points
15. Pierre Gasly, Alpine - 8 points
16. Oliver Bearman, Haas - 7 points
17. Kevin Magnussen, Haas - 6 points
18. Esteban Ocon, Alpine - 5 points
19. Franco Colapinto, Williams - 4 points
20. Zhou Guanyu, Sauber - 0 points
21. Logan Sargeant, Williams - 0 points
22. Valtteri Bottas, Sauber - 0 points
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