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Lewis Hamilton tells a tale of how an incident in the boxing ring provided him with a lesson he uses in his driving to this very day.
It’s no secret that Lewis Hamilton’s childhoos wasn’t easy. Not only was he bullied, he has also struggled in school due to undiagnosed dyslexia.
In an interview with Wired Magazine, Lewis explains how a go-kart that his father Anthony bought him for Christmas in 1992, changed everything.
“I had this strength that I didn’t even know that I had,” the Briton explains.
“And the growth that I would experience through these races of being able to put my elbows out, stand up, not be pushed over and bullied, was really empowering.”
And his father didn’t have it easy either. He had to work multiple jobs for young Lewis to be able to pursue his dreams.
“I think what makes me the driver I am today, yes it’s the ability, but I would say it’s the hunger. I’m so grateful for it, man.
“If we didn’t have that struggle I couldn’t drive the way I do today.”
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The strength that was forged by all the difficulties he had to go through is something that is helping Lewis to this day.
“I don’t like the idea of someone trying to mess with my mind, because I’m strong, and I know I’m strong enough and capable enough. I’ve done it my whole life.”
There was one particular incident that has shaped Lewis as a man and as a driver. At age eight or nine, his father took him to boxing classes, so that he could defend himself against school bullies.
In one in-ring encounter young Lewis was badly beaten by a taller boy in a sparring session. Lewis left the ring in tears, but the lesson he would learn from his father would leave a lasting impression.
“I remember my dad kneeling down in front of me and saying, ‘You’re going to get back in there and give it everything you’ve got,’
“You’ve got to face your fears headfirst. I went in, and I didn’t let this kid get a single punch in, and I overcame this fear.
“I use that same experience with all my racing,” concluded the seven-time champion.
