“I Was Bullied, Beaten”- Lewis Hamilton Posts an Emotional Message on His Early Struggles Against Racism

From the past few days, Lewis Hamilton has been leading the crusade against racism in the F1 world. The reigning World Champion has taken to social media to rant and raise awareness for the ongoing protests against police brutality and discrimination against people of color.

Lewis Hamilton sends a powerful message

In his latest Instagram post, Hamilton recounted traumatic memories from his childhood. The Briton opened up on how he was abused as a kid and the coping mechanism he employed to get through difficult times.

Hamilton’s emotional post included a touching tribute to his father Anthony, who’s also had to deal with several challenges. Anthony Hamilton played a pivotal role in kickstarting Lewis’s F1 career and had to make several sacrifices in ensuring Hamilton reached the pinnacle of motorsport.

Taking to Instagram, Hamilton posted the following message:

“I’ve been reading every day to try to stay on top of everything that’s been happening in our fight against racism, and it’s brought back so many painful memories from my childhood.”

“Vivid memories of the challenges I faced when I was a kid, as I’m sure many of you who have experienced racism or some sort of discrimination have faced”

The reigning World Champion revealed that he was taught to never show any signs of weakness towards hate. Rather, fight one’s battles on track.

“I have spoken so little about my personal experiences”

“Because I was taught to keep it in”

“don’t show weakness, kill them with love, and beat them on the track.

“But when it was away from the track, I was bullied, beaten”

“And the only way I could fight this was to learn to defend myself, so I went to karate. The negative psychological effects cannot be measured. 

“This is why I drive the way I do,”

“It is far deeper than just doing a sport, I’m still fighting.

Hamilton went on to acknowledge his father’s struggles and support.

Hamilton’s touching post

“Thank God I had my father, a strong black figure who I could look up to,”

“that I knew understood and would stand by my side no matter what.

“Not all of us have that but we need to stand together”

“With those who may not have that hero to lean on and protect them”

We must unite!

“I have wondered why 2020 seemed so doomed from the start”

“But I’m starting to believe that 2020 may just be the most important year of our lives, where we can finally start to change the systemic and social oppression of minorities.

“We just want to live, have the same chances at education, at life and not have to fear walking down the street, or going to school, or walking into a store whatever it may be. We deserve this as much as anyone. Equality is paramount to our future, we cannot stop fighting this fight, I for one, will never give up! concluded Lewis.