Lewis Hamilton 'emotionally drained' as F1 star discusses war in Gaza ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Hamilton is yet to win a race in two years, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominating the sport while Mercedes struggle.

He has now been asked about the war in Gaza, with the conflict between Israel and Hamas ongoing.

And Hamilton has admitted it's been on his mind, with the Stevenage-born racer also claiming it's impacted his mentality in F1 as well.

"Absolutely, how can you not?" he said when asked if he thinks about the human impact of the war.

"I think it's been a very strange period for us because we are in such a bubble here.

"We arrive at all these different places and there's so much positivity in our little bubble.

"And this year, it's difficult to wake up each day knowing there are thousands of kids dying and there's nothing you can do about it and the rest of the world just goes on as it is."

Hamilton then proceeded to lament the way governments have responded to the war, labelling it 'massively disappointing'.

“It’s massively disappointing to see how countries and governments are handling it and just to think where we are in 2023," he added.

"With everything through history, it doesn’t look like we’ve learned anything.

“So, to be able to compartmentalize that and just go ahead with your job, I think, is difficult.

"It’s all over social, there’s not a day you don’t see something pop up on the news.

"You just try to remain positive through the darkest time.”

Hamilton says world events have left him 'emotionally drained' with just one F1 race of the season to go.

And he's looking forward to some time off, while also insisting he isn't burned out.

“I’m not burned out," he added.

"I’d rather not keep going into the season, but I think for me I’m just more emotionally drained at the end of the year.

“It’s obviously a very long season.

"I think really with all the negativity in the world as well, it’s been quite draining just to maintain a positive mindset through the year."

Hamilton is now focused on clinching glory in Abu Dhabi.

It's a track he knows well, having won the event in the Middle East on five separate occasions over the years.

Yet the Briton is concerned for his side after he was only able to finish eighth during practice on Friday.

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“It was not the greatest of days," the veteran said.

"We have had difficult qualifying sessions this year, and getting out of Q1 and into Q2 has always been a tough battle, and getting into Q3 is a challenge.

“The work tomorrow is to try and get into Q3. But it is going to be close.”