Lewis Hamilton reveals he has suffered from depression since he was 13

Hamilton's mental health battle

"I have struggled with my mental health all my life." Formula 1 record world champion Lewis Hamilton has spoken openly about his mental health battles in an interview with The Sunday Times.

"Really difficult phases"

"When I was in my twenties, I had some really difficult phases," the now 39-year-old Mercedes driver revealed in the interview.

Depression as early as 13

Hamilton was explicit about his condition and revealed that he has been battling depression, "from a very early age, when I was about 13 years old".

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High pressure and bullying

The reason, in his opinion, was "the pressure in motorsport and the difficulties at school. The bullying. I had no one I could talk to."

Only black driver in Formula 1

"There was no escape. You experience it at school, in the parks, when you walk through the city," Hamilton told The Sunday Times. The seven-time F1 world champion had previously made no secret of the fact that he was a victim of bullying and racism during his school days. To this day, he is the only black driver in Formula 1.

"Just beat them on the track"

"I didn't understand it and my parents never talked to me about it. They never explained to me what was going on. My dad just said, 'Keep your head down, back off, don't say anything, just beat them on the track, that's all you can do,'" Hamilton said.

Now a legend in the sport

Hamilton did what his father advised him to do. The Brit has now achieved the status of a legend in Formula 1, and together with Michael Schumacher, the Mercedes driver has won the most world championship titles in the history of the sport.

No professional help

However, his mental situation was not resolved with professional help. When asked whether he had ever been in therapy for this, Hamilton replied: "I spoke to a woman years ago, but it wasn't really helpful. I would like to find someone today."

Feeling "healthier than ever"

Hamilton also explained in the interview that he had read books on the subject, which had helped him. "What might have annoyed me in the past doesn't bother me anymore." The Formula 1 star feels "healthier than ever" at the moment. "I feel physically and mentally in good shape," he stressed.

From Mercedes to Ferrari

Hamilton is about to enter a new phase in Formula 1: at the end of the current season, he will leave Mercedes to join Ferrari in 2025, where he has signed "a multi-year contract", as per ESPN.

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