Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, is a name synonymous with speed, resilience, and breaking barriers. Yet, beneath the helmet and the headlines, Hamilton has faced battles far tougher than any race. In a candid revelation, he shared that he grappled with depression from a young age, weighed down by the relentless pressures of karting and the bullying he endured at school as a Black child in a predominantly white community. “I’m getting better now,” he said in a 2020 interview, crediting a pivotal figure in his life: Angela Cullen, his physiotherapist and confidante, whose private conversations lifted the darkness and reshaped his life in ways no one could have predicted.

Growing up in Stevenage, England, Hamilton’s childhood was marked by sacrifice and scrutiny. Karting demanded financial strain on his family and relentless dedication from a boy barely in his teens. At school, he faced racial taunts and isolation, struggles that left deep emotional scars. The weight of proving himself—on the track and in life—pushed him into periods of self-doubt and depression. Even as he rose through Formula 1, becoming the sport’s first Black champion, the mental toll lingered, hidden behind his steely focus and charismatic smile.

Enter Angela Cullen in 2016. Hired as Hamilton’s physiotherapist, Cullen quickly became more than a trainer. A New Zealander with a warm, grounded demeanor, she brought a unique blend of empathy and strength to their partnership. Beyond preparing his body for the grueling F1 season, she became someone he could trust with his deepest vulnerabilities. In private moments—away from the paddock’s glare—they talked about life, fear, and purpose. Cullen’s words, though never publicly detailed, were a lifeline. She encouraged him to confront his pain, not bury it, and to see his struggles as part of his strength, not a weakness.

What Cullen told Hamilton in those conversations shifted his perspective. She emphasized mindfulness, urging him to stay present rather than dwell on past hurts or future pressures. She introduced him to practices like meditation and journaling, tools that helped him process emotions he’d long suppressed. “She saw me, not just the driver,” Hamilton later said. Her belief in his worth—beyond lap times or trophies—gave him permission to embrace his imperfections. This emotional freedom unlocked a new level of confidence, both on and off the track.

The impact was profound. Hamilton’s performance soared, with multiple championships following their partnership. But more strikingly, he became an outspoken advocate for mental health, diversity, and sustainability, using his platform to address issues he once shied away from. Cullen’s influence helped him redefine success, blending vulnerability with his relentless drive. Their bond, visible in their playful paddock interactions, became a symbol of trust—Hamilton often called her his “rock.” Fans noticed a lighter, more authentic Lewis, one who smiled more and spoke openly about his struggles.

When Cullen left Mercedes in 2023 to pursue new ventures, Hamilton admitted the transition was tough. Yet, her lessons endured. He continued to prioritize mental health, seeking therapy and building a support network. “I’m getting better now,” he reflected, a nod to how far he’d come. Cullen’s words didn’t just lift the darkness—they gave him a blueprint for resilience. In a sport where margins are razor-thin, Hamilton’s greatest victory may be his inner peace, forged through quiet conversations that reshaped his life. As he chases more records, he carries her wisdom, proof that even champions need someone to lean on.