Hamilton recalls bullying, racial abuse during school years

By JEROME PUGMIRE The Associated Press

FILE - Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Mercedes reacts in a press conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Nov. 17, 2022. Formula One great Hamilton experienced bullying when he was only 6 years old and said he had bananas thrown at him when he was racially abused at school. “For me, school was probably the most traumatizing and most difficult part of my life," Hamilton said in an interview for the On Purpose podcast, which was released Monday Jan. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Kamran Jebreili]

Formula One great Lewis Hamilton experienced bullying when he was only 6 years old and said he had bananas thrown at him when he was racially abused at school in England. The seven-time champion is the only Black driver in F1. He called his schooldays the most traumatic of times. Hamilton told the On Purpose podcast in an interview that “I already was being bullied at the age of six.” He described how racial abuse continued during his school years. Hamilton has campaigned tirelessly to fight racism in recent years and has urged others in F1 to speak out more.

FILE - Second place finisher Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, of Britain, left, sprays champagne on race winner and teammate George Russell, of Britain, at the podium in the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Nov.13, 2022. Formula One great Hamilton experienced bullying when he was only 6 years old and said he had bananas thrown at him when he was racially abused at school. “For me, school was probably the most traumatizing and most difficult part of my life," Hamilton said in an interview for the On Purpose podcast, which was released Monday Jan. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Andre Penner, File)

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Andre Penner