On Jay Shetty’s podcast, Lewis Hamilton recently discussed some of the more psychological elements of being an F1 racing driver.
Lewis Hamilton thought that because drivers had to compete against one another on the track at the end of the day, they tended not to be overly open with one another.
Lewis Hamilton also discussed his communication style and experiences with other drivers. He talked about how drivers, although having a lot more things in common than previously believed. There are so competitive with one another that they have a defense mechanism set up.
Drivers must constantly navigate a psychological and emotional minefield. Because at the end of the day, they have to be the best.
Lewis Hamilton stated on the Jay Shetty podcast: “We share a lot more things than we realize. But a lot of us have a defense because we’re so fiercely competitive. You like the guy yet want to beat him. Even if you might admire the individual standing outside the automobile, you can’t let on. You are engaged in a constant psychological struggle with yourself yet frequently manage to get away with it.”
People will find it quite difficult to understand the enormous psychological and emotional rollercoaster you are currently experiencing, Lewis Hamilton continued.
Lewis Hamilton describes the difficulties a driver faces during and immediately following the race
The Mercedes driver discussed how the world is frequently ignorant of the emotional rollercoaster that a driver experiences throughout a race. Even before a driver has fully recovered from that emotionally draining race. They are forced to answer questions with a microphone in front of them.
Lewis Hamilton also discussed how drivers are compelled to maintain this layer of protection around themselves in an effort to maintain their distance and avoid being exploited. When discussing the different psychological difficulties that drivers have, Lewis Hamilton said:
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“You can’t see us because we’re wearing helmets, unlike athletes in other sports. But you go through a psychological rollercoaster throughout the race, and when you come out, the cameras are right in your face.”
“You’re not ready for that, your emotions are jumbled—especially if you failed or feel like you failed—and you tend to put your heart on your sleeve rather than always responding appropriately.”
The psychological difficulties an F1 driver encounters have been discussed before by several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton. Lando Norris and George Russell, fellow countrymen, have also spoken out about the burden they endure mentally.
