Wolff reveals lifelong battle with depression: 'I couldn't define what that was'

Speaking on the High Performance Podcast, the Mercedes CEO and team principal was candid about his struggle with depression. He explained that he had "stared into an abyss", constantly thinking about the worst-case scenario.

Wolff went to therapy. He does not want to completely lose his ability to see possible downfalls and remain skeptical, having seen successful people lose touch with reality. However, therapy helped him deal with feelings he could not previously analyze.

"And when that got really strong, that I couldn't handle it myself anymore, I started to speak with psychiatrist and psychologist later on and that really helped me to analyze why I was feeling that way and how the tools that were given to me, to utilize these moments of reflection and introspection, but not dragging on with the suffering a lot," he explained.

The Austrian was asked to explain what he felt during those moments. He explained:"The feeling is that you can't sleep properly, you're waking up with a sense of darkness that of, it's very difficult to describe that actually in a way of there is no hope for your future."

He cited a Formula 1 party in Monaco in the early 2000s as an example, saying that if someone had told him they were struggling with a similar issue, it would have helped him.

He also highlighted the importance of high-profile drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris, and George Russell having previously spoken out on the matter, explaining that this can help people understand that these difficult periods can come to an end.

He then once again highlighted the importance of seeking professional help. "If you're open minded about looking after yourself and speaking to somebody else, seeking professional help, not go to the pub and have five beers with a mate who hasn't got an understanding what's happening. If you speak to someone, this is going to pass."