Lewis Hamilton grew up in a middle-class family and went on to face several challenges until he arrived in Formula 1 and became one of the greatest drivers of the sport. But to him, his struggles during the 16 years of his career would seem small compared to the ones he faced while growing up, in school, and elsewhere. Over the years, the Briton has talked openly about his experiences with racism and bullying. His struggles as a black F1 driver have made him compassionate toward others, making him an advocate for diversity and inclusion in motorsports.

In an interview with the Guardian, he said that he faced racist taunts and abuse from other children at school, and such experiences, according to his Instagram post from 2019, made him feel like an “outsider.”

This time, talking to Jay Shetty, the driver opened up further as he recalled more instances from his childhood. Speaking on ‘On Purpose with Jay Shetty’ podcast, Hamilton talked about “probably the most traumatizing” period of his life. As quoted by Sports Illustrated, he said, “Teachers were telling me, ‘You’re never going to be nothing.’ I remember being behind the shed, in tears, like, ‘I’m not going to be anything.’ And believing it for a split second.” 

He added, “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.”

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Lewis’s journey is an inspiration to everyone. The rise, despite socioeconomic difficulties, did not dampen the spirit of the Briton, and now, with the platform provided, he aims to increase diversity in all aspects of motorsports.

Lewis Hamilton speaks up about school and bullying

Lewis Hamilton’s time at the school and elsewhere was troubling. Previously, the driver has talked about how the black kids in his school were treated differently and how “The headmaster just had it out for us, and particularly for me, I would say.” 

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Lewis was also bothered by the lack of representation of people of other races in the history books. He was hampered by undiagnosed dyslexia, which was exacerbated by his peers’ attitudes toward him. Hamilton, dealing with bullying at a tender age, mentions, “just bigger and stronger bullying kids were throwing me around a lot of the time.”

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Now, despite bullying or discrimination by his superiors, Lewis has ensured to present himself as a respected member of the community. As a face of his community, he has carried himself tremendously well over the years and has set himself as a prime example, making efforts to ensure no other kid from a minority community goes through what he did.