Lewis Hamilton reveals in a candid post on Instagram that he is “struggling mentally and emotionally” – and has been for “a long time” as he continues to be linked with retiring after falling behind at the start of the new Formula One season is
- Lewis Hamilton has admitted to struggling “mentally and emotionally”.
- The seven-time F1 world champion is 29 points behind championship leader Charles Leclerc
- Hamilton was controversially denied a record-breaking eighth world title
- Mercedes struggled with their car in the first two races of the season
Lewis Hamilton has shown he is “struggling mentally and emotionally” and said it is a “constant effort to keep going”.
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion, who finished 10th in last Sunday’s Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, admitted that via a post on his Instagram story on Thursday.
“It’s been such a tough year with everything that’s happening around us,” said the 37-year-old. “Some days it’s difficult to stay positive.
“I’ve been struggling mentally and emotionally for a long time, going on is a constant effort but we have to keep fighting. We have so much to do and to achieve.”
Hamilton, who has won more F1 races than any other driver in the history of the sport, is contesting his 16th season on the grid.
But the British rider has had a difficult start to the new season in his uncompetitive Mercedes machine.
Hamilton finished third in the opening race in Bahrain – after both Red Bull drivers retired in the closing stages due to reliability issues – and scored just a single point in Saudi Arabia last weekend.
Hamilton was opposed to participating in Jeddah after a nearby missile attack during practice on Friday and said after the race: “I just want to go home.”
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton admitted to struggling “mentally and emotionally”.
On Thursday, he continued: “I am writing to say that it is okay to feel the way you do, just know that you are not alone and that we will get through this.
“A friend reminded me today that you are so powerful and can do anything you put your mind to. We can do anything we put our minds to.
“Let us remember to live in gratitude so that another day may arise. I send you love and light.’
The Brit was controversially denied a record-breaking eighth world title in December
Hamilton, already 29 points behind leaders Charles Leclerc, will return to action on Sunday at the Australian Grand Prix in a week’s time.
The Brit agonizingly missed out on a record-breaking eighth world title in Abu Dhabi in December when rival Max Verstappen was controversially given a last-lap chance by now-sacked race director Michael Masi.
The FIA has since admitted Masi’s decision to let five cars roll under the safety car between Hamilton and Verstappen was a “human error”, but Verstappen’s race and championship victory still stands.