Karate as the key to success: Lewis Hamilton’s battle off the track

Lewis Hamilton learnt to stand up for himself at an early age. As a child in Stevenage, the seven-time world champion was teased and even bullied by bigger and stronger children, which is why he decided to take karate lessons. This not only solved his problem with the bullies, but also helped him develop a disciplined, self-assured attitude that served him well on his journey to the top of motorsport.

The record-holding Grand Prix winner recalled in Hungary: “Karate was a really important part of my life. In fact, that’s where I learnt to be disciplined. Because at first I was just a child with lots of energy, running about and climbing trees. I had to channel that energy in a constructive direction, because otherwise, growing up where I did, I’d probably have gone off the rails.”

Life lessons

“I asked to do karate lessons when I was six because I was being bullied at school. And that went on for a very, very long time; I was tormented by bullies right up until secondary school,” said the Ferrari driver, who currently sits second in the World Championship standings. “Karate ultimately helped me build my self-confidence and get the bullies under control.”

Even as he progressed through the various junior categories, Hamilton repeatedly encountered bullies, he explained. And what he’d learnt in his karate lessons came in handy once again. “When I took to the track, it was the same. There are bullies there too, and I think it simply helped me to understand myself, to recognise the strength I have within me, and to realise how I can use it positively.”

In good company: Isack Hadjar also practised martial arts

Hamilton isn’t the only driver in the current Formula 1 field who practised martial arts during his childhood. Isack Hadjar, too, acquired skills in this discipline at an early age. Unlike Hamilton, Max Verstappen’s team-mate devoted himself to the martial art of judo. “I started when I was four. I stopped when my karting career really took off, but by then I was already at a pretty good level,” the Frenchman revealed whilst still competing in Formula 2.