By Humberto Viera
Sep 29, 2024, 3:40 PM EDT
British driver Lewis Hamilton, seven-time Formula One world champion, revealed this Sunday that he has faced mental health problems throughout his life, derived from the bullying he suffered in his childhood and the constant pressure of competing in his adult stage.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Hamilton, 39, confessed to having dealt with racism since his childhood in Stevenage, north London, and that since adolescence he has experienced episodes of depression.
“I had depression from a very early age, when I was about 13. I think it was because of the pressure of racing and the problems at school with bullying, I had no one to talk to,” said the pilot.
Hamilton explained that, at the time, he tried to deal with his mental health problems with a therapist, although the experience was not satisfactory. Despite this, he expressed interest in resuming therapy.
The pilot also mentioned that the Covid-19 pandemic was a turning point in his life, which led him to make “profound personal changes.” In addition to participating in several charitable projects, in the audiovisual and fashion fields, Hamilton introduced himself to the practice of meditation, which he does daily. He explained that he starts his mornings at five, going for a ten-kilometer run to “clear his mind.”
As for his career, Hamilton will join the Ferrari team at the end of this season, replacing Spaniard Carlos Sainz, who will move to Williams. After 12 years competing for Mercedes, he currently occupies sixth place in the World Championship. Despite the changes, Hamilton claims to be in his best moment both personally and professionally.
“I’m healthier than I’ve ever been. I am in a very good moment, physically and mentally. “My reaction times are still faster than those of the young guys and I think I am a better driver than I was at 22. I was simply young, energetic and relentless, but without subtlety or balance,” concluded the Briton.
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