Driving one of the fastest cars on the planet week in and week out can become a little addictive. In fact, it does get a little addictive. However, the addictive nature is not the act of racing, it’s the adrenaline rush. This is exactly why we witness F1 drivers resort to extreme sports during their off-time to get their fix. Back in 2019, Lewis Hamilton talked about this exact aspect of the adrenaline rush, the dangers associated with Formula 1, as well as the addictiveness of it all.

The Mercedes man was a guest on season two of “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction With David Letterman” talk show. During his chat with the famous American television host, Hamilton talked about the ‘dangers’ of Formula 1. However, the Brit never really considered F1 racing dangerous. It’s what gets him going and makes F1 so addictive. Let us tell you what Hamilton said exactly.

As quoted by the Hollywood Reporter, Hamilton said, “For me, it’s never been a factor that I particularly consider or think about [dangers of his profession]. I love racing and I’m an adrenaline junkie, so, of course, I respect it and I know that it’s there, but that’s the exciting thing: if there’s no danger, we wouldn’t be doing it.”

However, more than the physical aspect of Formula 1, Hamilton talked about the mental challenge as well.

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He said his experiences in the sport have come in waves of “massive highs and lows”. This is something he must have felt after the events of the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP. He advocates and advises other athletes to keep in check as well. However, it’s something he not often reveals.

Lewis Hamilton talks about keeping his emotions in check during each race weekend

Recently, the Brit sat down with fellow countryman Jay Shetty for a chat on his On Purpose podcast. During his conversation, Hamilton revealed how F1 drivers need to keep their emotions in check during a race to gain an advantage over their opponents.

He said, “We are so competitive. And a lot of us have our defense. Like you want to beat the guy. You might like the person outside the car, but you can’t show that. Like there is this whole psychological battle, you are having with yourself and getting away of yourself a lot of the time.”

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With Sebastian Vettel gone, Hamilton hardly has any friends on the grid. However, the Brit still needs to keep his emotions, toward his teammate or any other drivers he is cordial with, in check and stay locked in during a race. Because on the track, it’s every man for himself!