Mercedes' British driver Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after winning the Formula One British Grand Prix at the Silverstone motor racing circuit Ferrari's British F1 legend Lewis Hamilton is set to change his name. Photo: Benjamin Cremel/AFP
Image: Benjamin Cremel/AFP
Lewis Hamilton is one of the most well-known figures in sport, never mind F1, but the the seven-time Formula One World Drivers’ Championship winner is set to change his name.
The reason for his change is that he wants to continue the name of his mother Carmen Larbalestier.
Hamilton who celebrated his 40th birthday earlier this week, last won the F1 championship in 2020 and is in the twilight of his career.
Over the weekend, news of his proposed name change once again surfaced.
"I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton," said of the ensuing name change for the first time in 2022.
"Actually, none of you might know that my mum’s name is Larbalestier, and I’m just about to put that in my name.
"Because 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.”
Currently driving for Ferrari, Hamilton previously represented both McLaren and Mercedes during his storied career.
Hamilton has also been vocal in his support for Africa, and in particular South Africa to host an F1 event for the first time since 1993.
“Rwanda is one of my favourite places I’ve been to,” Hamilton said last year.
“I’ve been doing a lot of work in the background on it. I’ve spoken to people in Rwanda, I’ve spoken to people in South Africa. Rwanda is a longer project, but it’s amazing that they’re so keen to get a part of it.”