Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton confirmed on Monday that he would be changing his name ahead of the upcoming 2022 Formula 1 campaign.
Since bursting onto the scene back in 2007, Hamilton’s name has become one of the most well recognised in F1, and the rest of the sporting world.
15 years, 103 wins and seven world titles later though, the Englishman has announced his name will be changing as he hunts down a record eighth F1 championship.
The Mercedes star explained on Monday that his surname was in the process of being changed to include his mother’s maiden name Larbalestier to go along the well recognised ‘Hamilton’.
Hamilton’s mum Carmen gave birth to Lewis in Stevenage back in January 1985 whilst she was with the F1 star’s father Anthony.
Just two years later though, Carmen and Anthony called time on their relationship as the pair separated in 1987.
Despite the separation, Hamilton maintained a strong bond and relationship with both sides of his family.
His father Anthony is the parent often seen in the paddock with the seven-time world champion, and was last seen consoling his son following his heartbreaking finish at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Whilst Carmen’s paddock appearances are less often, the 66-year-old was alongside her son at the 2015 Mexican Grand Prix when the Englishman secured his third world title.
She also accompanied her son at Windsor Castle when Hamilton received his knighthood last December.
The Mercedes star was raised by his mother until he was 12, along with half-sisters Nicola and Samantha, before he eventually moved in with his father. He still has a brilliant relationship with his mum.
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Hamilton held a surprise 60th birthday part in London in 2015 for his mum, and singer Jessie J performed at the bash.
Speaking about his name change at Dubai Expo this week, the 37-year-old revealed it was to honour his mother’s family name.
He said: “I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton.
“Actually none of you might know that my mum’s [sur]name is Larbalestier. And I’m just about to put that in my name.”
The seven-time world champ added: “I don’t really fully understand the whole idea of why, when people get married, the woman loses her name.
“I really want her name to continue on with the Hamilton name.”
Speaking whether or not his name change will have been made official by this week’s season opener in Bahrain, he said: “It will be soon.
"No, I don’t know if it will be this weekend. But we’re working on it.”
