Lewis Hamilton to change his name, adding mother's surname Larbalestier

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that he will incorporate his mother’s maiden name into his own, to recognise her role in his success.

The seven-time champion told an audience at the Dubai Expo that he would soon take on the Larbalestier surname of his mother, Carmen, to ensure that it stands alongside Hamilton in the history books.

Speaking before the start of this year’s Formula 1 championship battle where Hamilton is again searching for an unprecedented eighth title, the Mercedes driver was asked what it would mean to succeed.

“It would mean the world to my family,” he answered. “I’m really proud of my family’s name, Hamilton. 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 when people get married then the woman loses her name.

“I really want her name to continue on with the Hamilton name.”

Hamilton’s mother accompanied him to Windsor Castle last year, when he received his knighthood and has also celebrated alongside him at races.

Larbalestier separated from Lewis’s father Anthony when he was two and he lived with her until the age of 12, when he moved to his father’s house, just before joining McLaren’s young driver programme.

It isn’t know how Hamilton will choose to format his name, but he said that he will be changing it “soon”. “I don’t know if it will be this weekend but we’re working on it,” he added.