Formula One Star Lewis Hamilton Reveals Struggles with Depression Since Teen Years

Formula One star Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his struggles with mental health, revealing he has battled depression “for much of his life,” attributing it to the pressures of racing and bullying during his school years.

In an interview with the Sunday Times, the seven-time world champion shared that he faced “really difficult phases” in his 20s and that his challenges were rooted in both bullying and the high-pressure environment of motor racing.

Hamilton, who has mixed-race parents, has previously spoken about experiencing racism while growing up in Stevenage.

He said: “When I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phases. I mean, I’ve struggled with mental health throughout my life.

“[I’ve had] depression. From a very early age, when I was, like, 13. I think it was the pressure of racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to.”

When asked if he has ever seen a therapist, Hamilton responded, “I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn’t really helpful. I would like to find someone today.”

As he prepares to move to Ferrari at the end of the season after a successful 12 years at Mercedes, he mentioned that he is currently in a “good place, physically and mentally.”

Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari will allow him to race into his 40s, but he expressed a desire to have a family, despite currently being single.

“One day. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level that I do it today with that. One of my best friends has just had a kid and I’m seeing how manic it is.

“And my nieces and nephew are a handful. There will be a time and a place for it, and I can’t wait for that part. But right now I have some work to do.”