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Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton has decided to change his name to honour his mother, Carmen Larbalestier. Hamilton informed the press on Monday in an on-stage interview at the Expo world fair in Dubai. The 37-year-old declared he would add his mother's surname, most likely racing as Lewis Hamilton-Larbalestier. He believes the process will be completed "soon".
"My mum's name is Larbalestier, and I'm just about to put that in my name," said the Mercedes driver. "Because I don't really fully understand the whole idea when people get married then the woman loses her name. I'm really proud of my family's name, Hamilton," said the 37-year-old. "
None of you might know my mum's name is Larbalestier, and I'm just about to put that in my name. It would mean the world to my family [to win an eighth title]," said the seven-time champion.
"And my mum, I really want her name to continue on with the Hamilton name." Hamilton then added how he was "working on" the name change but it would not be done before this week's season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. He said, "Hopefully soon; I don't know if it will be this weekend... but we are working on it."
I think it's brilliant that he's going to take her name: David Croft
Carmen Larbalestier and Lewis's father, Anthony Hamilton, got a divorce when Lewis was young. But he lived with his mother until the age of 12. Sky F1 commentator David Croft described Lewis' decision as "fantastic". He said, "Lewis is so attached to his dad because of their background and the karting weekends, and the bond that came through racing," said Croft. "But he has also got a huge bond with his mum; he loves her to bits. "I think it's brilliant that he's going to take her name, and well done, Lewis. He's doing it for all the right reasons. Obviously, his mum and dad have been separated for many, many years, but they both come to the same races, we see them both together, and I think it's fantastic what he's doing."