Hamilton: "I don't like it when someone messes with my mind, because I'm strong"

Lewis Hamilton is open about the fact that his childhood wasn't always easy. Besides the fact that his father had to work hard so he could race, he had a hard time at school and was bullied. Hamilton himself says that this has only made him stronger.

Everything changed for him when he stepped into a kart for the first time. "I had a strength that I didn't know I had. The growth I've made in being able to put my elbows out, stand up, not be pushed over and bullied, was really empowering," Hamilton said in an interview with Wired.

Hamilton's father had multiple jobs at one point so he could finance his karting career. "I think what makes me the driver I am today, yes it’s the ability, but I would say it’s the hunger. I’m so grateful for it, man. If we didn’t have that struggle I couldn’t drive the way I do today."

Hamilton says he doesn't think having a sports psychologist is necessary, although this is something more and more athletes are using. "I don't like the idea of someone trying to mess with my mind, because I'm strong, and I know I'm strong enough and capable enough. I’ve done it my whole life," Hamilton said.