Lewis Hamilton’s mental health issues dismissed as former Dutch driver lauds Max Verstappen

Arie Luyendyk, the former Dutch F1 driver, recently commented on Lewis Hamilton’s admission of seeking mental health support, expressing that he personally couldn’t relate to Hamilton’s experience. While Hamilton opened up about his past struggles with mental health, including depression at a young age, Luyendyk stated that he had never faced similar challenges and found a different way to cope. Luyendyk, who is from an older generation, mentioned that in his time, people were expected to handle difficulties on their own, often by “talking to themselves” to get through hard times.

 

Hamilton, who became the first black F1 driver in 2007, has faced significant obstacles throughout his career, including racism and bullying during his childhood. Despite these challenges, Hamilton has overcome these difficulties and risen to become one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport. In a recent interview, Hamilton disclosed that he had been diagnosed with depression at the age of 13, partly due to the pressures of racing, struggling at school, and being bullied. Although he saw a mental health professional at the time, he found the experience unhelpful, though he hinted that he might seek support again in the future.

 

While Luyendyk didn’t sympathize with Hamilton’s situation, he did express an understanding of why Max Verstappen, another Dutch driver, has not sought mental health support. Luyendyk praised Verstappen for being down to earth and suggested that Verstappen’s mentality is shaped by the Dutch culture, similar to his own. He also implied that in racing, success is largely determined by the car, and Verstappen’s grounded attitude likely helps him navigate the pressures of the sport without the need for external help.

 

Hamilton’s openness about his mental health struggles has sparked conversation within the racing world. Other former drivers, like Nico Rosberg and Romain Grosjean, have also spoken about their experiences with mental health support during their careers, highlighting a growing recognition of the importance of mental well-being in the sport.