F1 star Lewis Hamilton reveals how and why he is changing his name to include his mum’s family ahead of Bahrain GP
LEWIS HAMILTON has revealed that he will use his mother’s family name as an additional middle name.
The seven-time World Champion, 37, announced last week that he plans to integrate his mother’s name – Larbalestier – into his own.
Whilst speaking at the 2022 Dubai Expo, he said: “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.
“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.”
But, on Saturday he revealed the reason behind the decision.
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Ahead of qualifying for the Bahrain GP, Hamilton explained: “I spent Christmas with all of my immediate family. My mum, my step-mum, my dad, my two sisters, my brother.
“I thought of it for a long time. I’ve always been very, very close to my parents and both mums have always been absolutely incredible.
“Thanks to them, I’ve grown up with so much respect for women.
“I already have my grandad’s name from my Dad’s side in mine – Davidson – and I wanted my mum and grandad’s name.”
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The Mercedes driver also explained how he plans to integrate Larbalestier into his current name, adding: “It was going to be a surprise, I was going to tell her first but I let it slip out.
“My mum was very happy, proud and emotional.
“I have already applied. It won’t be a surname – it will be an addition to my middle name.”
This means that once legally changed, his full name could become Lewis Carl Davidson Larbalestier Hamilton.
Hamilton is due to take part in the Bahrain GP on Sunday alongside new Mercedes teammate George Russell.
However, the pair did not get off to the best start in qualifying.
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Both drivers finished outside the top three – a far cry away from where they are expected to be.
Hamilton will start the race from P5, with Russell behind in P9.