Ex-F1 driver ‘sad and proud’ of Lewis Hamilton for opening up about mental health struggles

Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson admitted that he feels sad to hear Lewis Hamilton's mental health struggles as a kid.

Ex-F1 driver ‘sad and proud’ of Lewis Hamilton for opening up about mental health struggles

Lewis Hamilton (Via: Imago)

Lewis Hamilton is one of the biggest names in the world of Formula 1. The seven-time world champion is known around the globe and has millions of fans. Hamilton has used his platform to be open about mental health and encourage people to start a conversation around their struggles. Now, former F1 driver Anthony Davidson has praised the 39-year-old’s endeavors.

Davidson recalled that he and Lewis Hamilton essentially grew up together in karting. The former Super Aguri driver claimed that eight-year-old Hamilton changed the entire landscape in British karting as he came as an ‘absolute trailblazer.’

I’ve grown up in the kart tracks with Lewis. I’ve been around him my whole life, I saw him arrive in those paddocks as an eight-year-old kid and as a trailblazer in our sport, an absolute trailblazer, and hats off to him.

Anthony Davidson said on Sky Sports F1 Podcast
YouTube video

Subsequently, Anthony Davidson emphasized that he does feel sad when he sees the 39-year-old openly talk about his mental health struggles. However, Davidson is proud to see Lewis Hamilton continue to address this significant aspect in everyone’s life. Recently, a historic British charity labeled Hamilton as a hero for continuing to be open about mental health.

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So for now, to be talking openly about mental health, and it saddens me, in many ways. I’m kind of proud he has come out and touched on mental health.

Anthony Davidson confessed

Anthony Davidson regrets not helping Lewis Hamilton in karting

The 45-year-old highlighted that he is sad to hear about Hamilton’s tough times in karting. As Davidson used to race alongside the Mercedes star and had no idea what he was going through. Moreover, Anthony Davidson admitted that he too went through crippling anxiety issues during his racing days in Formula 1.

Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)
Lewis Hamilton (via IMAGO)

It saddens me to think of all those days that I spent with him at the kart tracks, that he was going through that, but now he’s in a position where he feels like he can talk about it. I’ve suffered with anxiety issues, like real crippling anxiety in my days as a driver,

Anthony Davidson explained

Certainly, there are no doubts that Lewis Hamilton has been the most vocal driver regarding mental health. The seven-time world champion’s statements have inspired many to open up and seek help for themselves. Fans feel a sense of connection with Hamilton when he shows that he too is just a human like them.