'I've struggled for a long time' - Lewis Hamilton bravely opens up about mental health battles

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Lewis Hamilton has recently taken to his Instagram story to open up about how he has been struggling with his mental health in recent years, describing it as a ‘constant effort to keep going.’

The Mercedes driver also stated that “it’s been such a tough year already with everything that is happening around us.”

In the first race of the Formula 1 season in Bahrain, Hamilton got himself a podium finish, eventually crossing the line in third after both Red Bull drivers had faults with their cars in the final few laps.

And this weekend did not go as planned for the Brit as he left Saudi Arabia with just one point after finishing in 10th place.

After narrowly missing out on the Drivers’ Championship last season to Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, this is certainly not the start to the season the Brit would have liked.

Last year’s season commenced in Abu Dhabi, where a controversial final lap led to Verstappen being crowned champion.

This meant Hamilton was unable to break the record for most Drivers’ Championship crowns, such a devastating event could not have helped the mental struggles he was already dealing with.

Last weekend’s visit to Jeddah saw a missile strike nearby as the drivers were practising on Friday, and following Sunday’s race, Hamilton said: “I just want to go home.”

Hamilton’s Instagram story also read: “I am writing to tell you it is OK to feel the way you do, just know that you are not alone and that we are going to get through this.

“A friend reminded me today, you are so powerful, and you can do anything you put your mind to. We can do anything we put our mind to.”

Next Sunday, April 10, Hamilton will be competing in the Australian Grand Prix, where he will start the race 29 points behind the championship leader Charles Leclerc.