Hamilton: I try new things even when I’m scared

Lewis Hamilton has returned to the UK after a holiday in Africa and will start training on track at Spa in a Mercedes in a few days. But before that, he found time for an interview with the UK edition of GQ magazine on topics he cares about very much – how to maintain good health to always be full of strength.

“Just like everyone else, it’s quite difficult for me to find the right balance. When I was younger, the first thing I tried to do was stay focused and do my job, – said the seven-time world champion. – That’s why it took me a lot of time to learn to plan everything correctly so that I could do other things that I like, to be creative.

But now I know how to find that right balance, I can do various special projects, I can train, study music and also spend time with family and friends.

It seems to me that we are constantly limiting ourselves in life. We are in our little worlds, where we are calm and safe, and at the same time our brain is loaded with many different things. We are constantly denying ourselves something. But I do a lot of things to test myself, like skydiving.

Standing at the open door of the plane for the very first jump, I felt uncomfortable, but I always try something new, even when I’m scared. But I know that if I don’t test myself, I limit myself.”

During the holidays, Lewis also spent a lot of time on water sports in the company of Fabio Quartararo, the current motorcycle racing world champion, because he believes the ocean has a cleansing effect: “I can surf for hours – maybe I’ll miss 100 waves, but I can do it.” five really good catches.

I’m really glad I don’t have to carry my phone – right now I’m left to myself, have time to think and just appreciate the power of mother nature. I also find that the ocean has a cleansing effect, and it’s like getting rid of negative energy.”

According to Lewis, the most important thing is to constantly work on yourself, to do self-improvement: “Every year I try to figure out how to get better, how to get more energy. How do you become a more effective partner? How do you make sure you feel better, organize your life better?

Over time, you begin to understand how to work on yourself to be at odds with your own body, understand what it needs and how to relax. In recent years I have thought a lot about how I can learn to recover properly.

Now the day after the next race I am always completely clear of business. This day is all about taking good care of yourself. I do cryotherapy or acupuncture sessions, I can exercise in the pool or just go to the sauna.

When I was young, I didn’t stretch at all before getting behind the wheel or after the finish of a race. I just didn’t know it was a good way to relax, so stretching is now a very important part of my program.

I also realized that there are many different ways to meditate. You can’t just sit and spend some time in silence. I meditate while running – then I have a completely clear mind.

However, sitting still and being still, immersed in thoughts of something good, is also very important for feeling healthy and happy. Meditation promotes clarity of thought, helps you focus on what you want to achieve on this particular day. Once I find myself in a bad mood, I just learn to adjust in a more positive way.