Lewis Hamilton admits struggles: ‘Have had it mentally tough for a long time’ | Motorsport

The British Mercedes driver has gloomy words for his millions of followers. “It’s been such a tough year with everything going on around us. I’ve been going through a tough time mentally and emotionally for a long time and it takes a lot of strength and effort to keep going, but we have to keep fighting. We can do and achieve so much,” writes the 37-year-old Briton, who lost his eighth world title in the last race last year and saw Max Verstappen become world champion in Abu Dhabi to his great dismay.

Hamilton does have an encouraging message, however. “I’m writing this to say it’s OK to feel the way you feel. Just know that you are not alone and that we are going to get through this. I am sending you all positivity and love!”

Hamilton felt robbed of the world title by the controversial decisions of the race management in Abu Dhabi and kept quiet for months to process the loss. The winner of 103 grands prix started his sixteenth season this year, but in the first two races he has not yet managed to excel in his new Mercedes.