Lewis Hamilton is changing his name because of his mother

Lewis Hamilton has announced that he is in the process of changing his name to honor his mother. The seven-time Formula One world champion said he planned to include his mother Carmen Lockhart’s maiden name, Larbalestier.

The 37-year-old disclosed this at Dubai Expo 2020 on Monday ahead of the new Formula One season which starts in Bahrain next weekend.

“I am really proud of my family’s name. My mum’s name is Larbalestier and I am just about to put that in my name.

“I don’t really fully understand the whole idea that when people get married the woman loses her name and I really want my mum’s name to continue on with the Hamilton name.”

When asked when this name change would take place, Hamilton replied: “Hopefully soon. We are working on it.”

Hamilton’s father Anthony and his mother Carmen separated when he was young. His mother later remarried and took the surname of her second husband, Lockhart, according to ESPN.

In December last year, the racing driver invited his mother to watch him receive his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle. That same year, Hamilton wrote his name in the history books after he became the first Formula One driver to win 100 races following his first-place finish at the Russian Grand Prix. According to CNN, the Grenadian-British driver took the first place position in the final laps of the dramatic race after overtaking Lando Norris.

Besides this historic feat in September, Hamilton also climbed up to the first position of the driver’s championship standings. His success on the field means that he is also one of the top athletes who earn big worldwide. The Mercedes star ranked 13 on Forbes world’s highest-paid athlete in 2020 with an annual salary of $42 million. Celebrity Net Worth puts his net worth at $285 million.