Lewis Hamilton: Childhood racism was 'most traumatizing' period of my life

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion, recently opened up about his experiences with bullying and racism during his childhood in a podcast appearance on On Purpose with Jay Shetty.

Hamilton, who is the only Black driver on the F1 grid, revealed that he experienced bullying and racism as early as the age of six, and that it reached a point where he "suppressed" a lot of it because he felt he couldn't talk to his parents about it.

He said in the podcast that it was "probably the most traumatizing" period of his life, and that it was something he has never spoken about publicly before.

Hamilton went on to detail his experiences, saying that at the time of that particular school, he was probably one of three kids of color, and that bigger and stronger bullying kids were throwing him around a lot of the time.

He added that he typically was the last kid picked on the playground or when choosing teams “even if I was better than somebody else.”

Hamilton also spoke about the constant jabs and racist language that he was subjected to, such as being called the n-word and being told he was "half-caste."

He said that it was difficult to find a sense of belonging and understanding where he fit in.

Furthermore, Hamilton spoke about the lack of representation of people of color in the history classes he attended, saying "there are no pictures of people of color in the history that they were teaching us."

This, coupled with the constant bullying and racism he faced, made him feel like "the system was really up against me."

He said that it was difficult to feel like he had a place in the world and that it made him feel isolated and alone.

Teachers were telling me, ‘You’re never going to be nothing,’” he said. “I remember being behind the shed, in tears, like, ‘I’m not going to be anything.’ And believing it for a split second.”

The buildup of racism, bullying and school struggles made him feel “that the system was really up against me and I was kind of swimming against the tide. But I’m so grateful for that journey, ‘cause that’s what built me to the person that I am today,” he said to Shetty.

Hamilton often held back tears, but once he began racing, he found a way “to channel this emotion.” He has become one of the biggest names in Formula One, bringing home seven driver world championships and helping with eight constructors’ titles at Mercedes.

"Despite facing such challenges, Hamilton never gave up on his dream of becoming a successful F1 driver.

Reflecting on his journey, he urged others facing similar struggles to "never give up."

"The easiest thing in life is to give up. The hardest thing is to keep going, but we have to," he said.

"A lot of people are struggling to find their purpose, but it’s okay. You will find it. Do not give up," added Hamilton.