Lewis Hamilton revealed that learning discipline at a young age through karate helped him have a successful career in motorsport and Formula 1.
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The seven-time world champion is the most successful driver in the category with seven titles and records for pole positions, wins, and podiums. After a difficult 2025, he got back on track in 2026, made peace with victory, and is second in the Drivers’ World Championship.
Speaking about the bullying he suffered as a child, the Brit revealed how karate helped him deal with the situation. “Karate was a very important part of my life. In fact, it was where I learned a lot of discipline; I was just a normal kid, full of energy, who never stayed still and was always climbing trees,” he said.
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“I needed to channel that energy into something; otherwise, considering where I grew up, I probably would have gone off the right path. I asked to start karate when I was six because I was being bullied, and that lasted a long time, bullying continued through elementary school and even high school,” he continued.
“Karate really gave me the confidence I needed to stand up for myself and deal with those bullies. And when I got to the tracks, the same thing happened. There are always bullies, so I think the practice helped me understand myself, understand the power I have inside me and how to use it for good, rather than for something negative,” he concluded.
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