Lewis Hamilton reassures dyslexic niece while reflecting on school struggles

Lewis Hamilton has spoken candidly about his difficult school years and how those experiences shape the way he supports young people in his family today. In a recent Vanity Fair feature, the seven-time Formula 1 champion said he “struggled like hell at school,” describing it as the “worst” period of his childhood. He has previously explained in public interviews that he was diagnosed with dyslexia in his mid-teens and often felt unsupported in the classroom.

According to Vanity Fair, Hamilton shared a personal moment involving his niece, who was recently diagnosed with dyslexia. He told her he understood what she was going through, saying he was also dyslexic. Hamilton recalled reassuring her by pointing to his own achievements and emphasising that having dyslexia does not diminish intelligence or potential. He explained that he encouraged her to see her mind as working “in different ways,” a message that brought her comfort and made her smile, he said.

Hamilton has long discussed the challenges he faced growing up, including academic difficulties, racism at school and being placed in the lowest sets by teachers who underestimated him — details he has previously spoken about in interviews with outlets including Sky Sports and Formula 1’s official media. He has said those experiences motivated him to advocate for more inclusive and supportive education systems.

His exchange with his niece, he noted, highlights why he believes it is important for young people with learning differences to see that they are not limited by them — a perspective shaped by his own journey, as documented in Vanity Fair’s profile and other verified sources.