Lewis Hamilton: 'I've struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time'
Lewis Hamilton told his Instagram followers he is finding life difficult, and it is "hard to stay positive", but said better days lie ahead.
Lewis Hamilton has "struggled mentally" to deal with global events this year, the Mercedes driver and seven-time world champion has disclosed.
In an Instagram stories message, the British star said anyone feeling the same should realise "you are not alone" and there should be a brighter future.
Tough year for Hamilton
Hamilton, 37, wrote: "It's been such a tough year already with everything that is happening around us.
"Hard some days to stay positive. I have struggled mentally and emotionally for a long time, to keep going is a constant effort but we have to keep fighting, we have so much to do and to achieve.
"I'm writing to tell you it's ok to feel the way you do, just know that you are not alone and that we are gonna get through this!
"A friend reminded me today, you are so powerful and you can do anything you put your mind to! We can do anything we put our mind to.
"Let's remember to live in gratitude for another day to rise. Sending you love and light."
Hamilton did not explicitly mention the circumstances that have left him low-spirited, but world events have impacted upon his sport already in 2022.
Grand Prix cancelled
Formula One's Russian Grand Prix has been cancelled this season due to the military invasion of Ukraine, and conflict struck close to the heart of motorsport only last week.
A Houthi missile strike that hit an Aramco facility 10 miles from the Jeddah circuit during a practice session last Friday sparked concern over the safety of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
The Saudi energy and chemical company is also a sponsor of F1, as well as a principal sponsor of the Aston Martin team.
Amid criticism of the Saudi regime's human rights record and fears for their safety, there was serious concern over a driver boycott of Sunday's race.
Hamilton, who qualified 16th, finished down in 10th, but the seven-time world champion said afterwards he was just pleased to finish the race and leave the country.
"I am so happy the weekend is done," Hamilton said on Sunday. "I am so happy everyone is safe, I am just looking forward to getting out. I just want to go home."