Lewis Hamilton is regarded as one of the most successful drivers of all time in Formula 1, with 105 race victories, more than any other driver. He also holds the records for the most pole positions, with 104, and the most podium finishes, at 201. 

As a seven-time world champion, equaling Michael Schumacher’s record, Hamilton has secured his legacy in the history of Formula 1.

However, despite his remarkable accomplishments, the seven-time world champion has acknowledged facing "some really difficult phases" since his teenage years, revealing that he has struggled with depression from an early age and bullying at school.

"I’ve struggled with mental health through my life, depression from a very early age when I was, like, 13... when I was in my twenties I had some really difficult phase,” Hamilton told Sunday Times.

"I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to.

“I spoke to one woman [a therapist], years ago, but that wasn’t really helpful. I would like to find someone today.

“You’re learning about things that have been passed down to you from your parents, noticing those patterns, how you react to things, how you can change those. So what might have angered me in the past doesn’t anger me today. I am so much more refined.”

By openly addressing his mental health, Hamilton joins a growing number of sports figures working to normalize a topic that has long been considered taboo, particularly among men of his generation.

With the next race set to take place in Austin in 3 weeks, the Mercedes driver currently sits sixth in the 2024 driver’s standings with 174 points, just 16 points behind Carlos Sainz, who he will replace in Ferrari next year.