Seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has recently opened up about a terrifying experience away from the high-octane world of racing that left him fearing for his life. Speaking on the YouTube series “Hot Ones,” Hamilton recounted a near-drowning incident while surfing alongside legendary surfer Kelly Slater in Hawaii.
The Mercedes (soon-to-be Ferrari) driver, known for his adventurous spirit and love for surfing, described the harrowing ordeal that took place at the infamous Pipeline, known for its powerful and dangerous waves.
“The biggest wipeout I had was with Kelly Slater at Pipeline,” Hamilton explained, recalling the day the waves reached a staggering 20 feet. Slater, recognizing the perilous conditions, had warned Hamilton against venturing out. However, the thrill-seeking racer decided to paddle out anyway, a decision he soon regretted.
“As I started to try to paddle in, I got sucked into the kill zone, basically,” Hamilton continued. “I turn around and I see this set of four waves coming. That for me was like, ‘It’s over, it’s all over.'”
In a desperate attempt to survive the towering waves, Hamilton threw his board and dived down, grabbing onto the reef below. “I could hear this wave crash above me. My board got ripped off and snapped in half,” he recounted.
Emerging from the crushing wave, gasping for air, Hamilton was immediately confronted by another approaching wave, forcing him back under. This terrifying cycle repeated itself three times, leaving him close to exhaustion and fearing the worst. “I nearly ran out of air, I nearly drowned,” Hamilton admitted.
Miraculously, Hamilton managed to find the strength to swim back to the safety of the shoreline. The experience left a lasting impression on the F1 star, giving him a profound respect for the skills and courage of professional surfers. “After that I was like, ‘Okay, massive props to these surfers,'” he acknowledged.
While Hamilton has faced his share of dangerous moments on the racetrack, this near-death experience in the powerful waves of Pipeline served as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of extreme sports and the fine line between thrill and disaster. It’s a testament to his resilience that he can now recount this terrifying ordeal, having emerged from it with a newfound appreciation for the ocean’s power.
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