Lewis Hamilton reveals battle with depression due to F1 racing pressure

Lewis Hamilton has opened up on the private struggles he has had for years despite his wild success on the Formula 1 grid.

Formula 1 ace Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with depression for most of his life due to the pressure of racing.

The seven-time world champion has had mental health difficulties since he was 13 years old, as The Sun reports.

Every F1 qualifying session and race LIVE in 4K on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start Your Free Trial Today >

Hamilton, who has been competing in F1 since way back in 2007, said his issues began when he was bullied at school in the United Kingdom.

“I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school — the bullying,” Hamilton explained.

“I had no one to talk to. I’d struggle initially to calm my mind.”

Lewis Hamilton has addressed his long mental health battles. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP)

Hamilton, seen here with Michael Schumacher in 2010, has spent almost half his life in F1. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP)

The 39-year-old said he started waking at 5am to meditate back in 2020 and has gone on silent retreats.

He also finds a 10km run can help clear his mind.

He added “It’s a great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings — understanding what I want to do.”

Asked if he has seen a therapist, the Mercedes driver said: “I spoke to one woman years ago — but that wasn’t very helpful.

“I’d like to find someone today.”

Currently sixth in the driver standings, Hamilton is in his 12th and final season with Mercedes, having joined the team from McLaren back in 2013.

He broke a two-year drought by winning two Grands Prix this year, at the British and Belgian circuits.

Hamilton won the British Grand Prix in July. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

He also took the F1 grid by surprise back in February when he announced his decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, when he will be 40 years old.

Currently single, Hamilton was asked about having a family, which he would like to do

“one day”.

He told The Sunday Times: “I wouldn’t be able to do what I do to the level I do it 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.”

This article originally appeared in The Sun and was reproduced with permission