With seven world titles and more than 100 victories and poles in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton has the finest track record in the history of the discipline. However, success is not a guarantee of happiness. In a story shared on his Instagram account, the pilot Mercedes wanted to share his feelings regarding the difficult times he has experienced in recent months. The pressure of the fight for the title, the defeat in Abu Dhabi in the controversy and his withdrawal from social networks during the winter produced a complicated situation for the Briton.
“This year is already difficult with everything that is happening around us”writes Hamilton to his 27.4 million subscribers. “Difficult to stay positive on some days. I struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time, moving forward is a complicated effort but you have to keep fighting, we have so much to do and accomplish.”
Always at the forefront when it comes to defending injustice and inequality, Hamilton brings his voice to a subject that has long remained taboo: that of mental health. The theme had already been put forward by Lando Norriswho also believed that the psychological well-being of athletes was often overlooked. The COVID pandemic has disrupted lifestyles, and millions of individuals have found themselves isolated, emotionally difficult to manage. Top-level sport has become a vector for bringing this subject to the media, and other disciplines, notably tennis, have made it possible to highlight these difficulties. This was the case, for example, of the Japanese player Naomi Osaka.
“I’m writing to tell you that it’s ok to feel like you do, just know that you are not alone and we are all going to get through this!”continues the seven-time World Champion. “A friend reminded me today that we are so strong, and we can do anything if our mind is in it! […] Let’s not forget to live in gratitude in a new light that allows us to be better. I send you love and light.”
Before posting this message, Hamilton also shared the partnership between his foundation, Mission 44, and the British television channel Sky. The announcement of this union had been made during the winter, when the pilot had taken a step back on social networks. The aim of this partnership: to support black students in the United Kingdom, who have to fight once morest exclusion and remain under-represented in the various courses of study. Hamilton, Champion on and off the track in tackling injustice.