Lewis Hamilton revealed he has struggled with mental health issues for most of his life due to being bullied at school and the pressure of racing.
The seven-time Formula One world champion said he has suffered depression since his teenage years.
Hamilton, who has mixed race parents, experienced racism as a child growing up in Stevenage.
“(I’ve had) depression. From a very early age, when I was, like, 13. I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to.”
Following a period of soul-searching amid the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, Hamilton began waking at 5am to meditate before going for a run.
“I would struggle initially to calm my mind,” he said. “But it’s a really great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings, understanding what I can do.”
He will move to Ferrari at the end of the campaign after 12 years with Mercedes.
Asked if he has ever seen a therapist, Hamilton replied: “I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn’t really helpful.
“I would like to find someone today.”
