Lewis Hamilton has opened up on the mental challenge of competing in Formula 1.
The five-time world champion has seen all ends of the sport’s spectrum in his 12 years on the grid.
From his rocket rise with McLaren, including the 2008 title to the lows of the final years at the British team and the rebirth at Mercedes.
However, speaking to David Letterman earlier this year for his Netflix show, the Briton admits even a single year in F1 is a rollercoaster.
“It’s a hard, hard year,” said Hamilton. “Mentally you have these massive highs, wins and success, but then you have these massive comedowns.
“[It’s] something I’ve never really spoken about but you often do suffer from mental issues – instabilities – and keeping yourself together when you hit rock bottom, which you do as an athlete.
“If you’re lucky you can find strength at rock bottom. It’s about how you get up, not how you fall.”
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Hamilton often touts the positive energy he receives from fans or ‘#TeamLH’ and at the Spanish Grand Prix, he drew inspiration from a message by five-year-old Harry Shaw.
Battling cancer, when Lewis won in Barcelona, he would send his car and the trophy to Harry’s house to thank him for his support.
Unfortunately, on Tuesday, however, it was confirmed he had passed away from the illness and Hamilton would pay tribute via Twitter.
“Harry, thank you for being such a positive light to us all,” he said. “You’re so brave and the world will miss you dearly. Thank you, friend and inspiration.”
