Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, recently opened up about his relationship with his father, Anthony Hamilton, and the emotional hurdles he faced in his early years. While today they share a deep bond, full of love and support, Hamilton revealed that, as a child, he found it difficult to express his emotions in front of his father.
Hamilton’s father has been a constant figure in his life and career, often spotted cheering from the sidelines at races. In particular, one emotional moment stands out from the 2024 season when the two embraced after Hamilton’s long-awaited win at the British Grand Prix, ending a nearly 1000-day drought. But this display of emotion wasn’t always so easy for Hamilton.
Reflecting on a painful memory from his youth, Hamilton recounted the time he learned of the tragic death of a close family friend while working on his go-kart with his father. Overcome with grief, Hamilton burst into tears but quickly realized he couldn’t cry openly in front of his dad.
“I was with my dad, we were working on the go-kart,” Hamilton shared. “I remember going to the front and crying, bawling my eyes out. But I couldn’t cry in front of my dad, he was not that kind of guy.”
Anthony Hamilton, known for his tough-love approach, played a pivotal role in shaping Lewis’ career and character. Growing up as the only black driver in karting and later Formula 1, Lewis faced relentless racism and bullying. Yet, his father’s advice was always the same: channel the pain and frustration into performance on the track.
“There was no escaping it. You experience it at school, in the parks, walking through town,” Hamilton explained. “I didn’t understand it, and my parents never spoke to me about it. They never explained what was going on. My dad was just, ‘Keep your head down, hold it in, don’t say anything, just beat them on the track, that’s all you can do.’”
The British driver credits his father’s influence for his resilience in the face of adversity, using the constant challenges to fuel his drive for success. Hamilton has since become a vocal advocate for racial equality, using his platform to push for inclusivity and diversity in Formula 1, a sport historically lacking in both.
Despite progress in recent years, Hamilton acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. As a trailblazer in the sport, he continues to use his voice and actions to foster a more inclusive environment in motorsport, while reflecting on how his own experiences, both on and off the track, shaped him into the champion he is today.
Hamilton’s story serves as a reminder of the emotional and psychological battles he faced growing up, and how the bond with his father, though complicated, was essential in driving him to achieve greatness.
