Lewis Hamilton reveals unusual process to deal with 'race track bullies'

Lewis Hamilton has stated that learning discipline through karate as a child has helped him navigate his successful racing career.

Hamilton sits as the most triumphant driver in F1 history with more pole positions, victories and podiums than any other driver.

His form this year has been a stark improvement from his maiden season with Ferrari, and he currently sits second in the drivers' championship, 50 points down on leader Kimi Antonelli.

The seven-time champion has spoken often about being bullied during his childhood, which led him to take on the hobby of learning karate.

He did so again at the Hungarian Grand Prix, insisting he was able to learn discipline through his sessions.

“Karate, it was a really important part of my life,” Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.

“Actually, it's where I learned a lot of discipline, I was just a normal kid with lots of energy, bouncing off walls, climbing trees.

“I needed that energy directed into something and otherwise I would have probably gone off the rails with where I grew up.

“I asked to go to karate when I was six because I was being bullied, and that lasted for a long, long time, the bullying, all the way into junior school, into high school.”

As Hamilton rose through the ranks of motorsport, he found success with junior title victories en route to F1.

The 41-year-old detailed that even then, he was faced with bullies - but he used his karate knowledge to be stoic.

“Karate really gave me that confidence to be able to handle myself and handle those bullies,” he added.

“And then when I got to the racetrack, the same thing. 

“Bullies are there, so I think it just enabled me to understand myself, understand the power that I have within, and how to utilise it for good rather than negative.”