Lewis Hamilton has admitted to having struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time In a strikingly candid social media post
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up about his mental health fight, revealing that he has ‘struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time.’
The 37-year old’s rocky start to his 2022 season has prompted the seven-time Formula One world champion to discuss his mental and emotional issues.
This comes as Hamilton began his 2022 season on the back foot due to his Mercedes team’s problems, after spending the winter in social hibernation following his title defeat in Abu Dhabi last year.
In a contentious finale to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, Red Bulls rival Max Verstappen won his first ever world title after passing the Briton on the final lap at the Yas Marina Circuit.
The race was marred by a questionable safety car operation that cost Hamilton a record-breaking eighth world championship, with the FIA acknowledging ‘human error’ after an investigation.
The disappointment of losing the title in such dramatic fashion has been followed by a surprising drop in Mercedes’ performance at the start of the new season, raising serious doubts about the team’s ability to challenge for the title.
Hamilton used social media to communicate his mental health difficulties with his 27.4 million followers, but he also had a good message for them.
“It has been such a tough year already with everything that is happening around us,” said the Mercedes driver.
“Hard some days to stay positive. I have struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time, to keep going is a constant effort but we have to keep fighting. We have so much to do and to achieve.”
“I am writing to tell you it is OK to to feel the way you do, just know that you are not alone and that we are going to get through this.”
“A friend reminded me today, you are so powerful and you can do anything you put your mind to. We can do anything we put our mind to.”
“Let’s remember to live in gratitude for another day to rise. Sending you love and light.”
The Briton managed a podium result in Bahrain, but the Brackley team battled to mitigate downforce and porpoising concerns with its W13 last weekend in Saudi Arabia.
Hamilton’s Q1 elimination in Jeddah qualifying and tenth-place finish marked his poorest racing weekend in Mercedes’ nine-year history.
In recent years, Hamilton has been the man to beat in Formula One, setting countless records on his way to seven driver titles.
The Mercedes driver is in his 16th season on the grid and has won more F1 races than any other driver in the sport, with 103 victories to date.
The British driver, who is currently 29 points behind Ferrari’s championship leader Charles Leclerc, will return to the track a week from Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix.
