In a revelation that’s stirring emotions and headlines across the F1 world, Lewis Hamilton—the seven-time Formula 1 world champion—has reignited talk of a dramatic personal decision that could reshape his legacy forever: a legal name change. And no, this isn’t about branding or image—it’s about his mother.
The F1 icon, now 40 and newly donning the iconic Ferrari red, has previously confirmed his intention to legally add his mother’s surname, Larbalestier, to his own, as a tribute to the woman who raised him. The legendary Brit revealed this emotional move back in 2022, but with the 2025 season already underway, the timing suggests he’s ready to make it official on the global stage of motorsport.
“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,” Hamilton revealed during an interview, capturing fans’ hearts worldwide.
“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.”
Since those heartfelt words, fans have waited to see if Hamilton would follow through. And now, after his emotional win at Silverstone in 2024—where he brought his mother on stage to share in the victory—it seems clearer than ever that the move is coming. According to Wales Online, the plan was to eventually compete under the new name.
“Hopefully soon. We are working on it,” Hamilton added when asked how close the change was to becoming official.
It would mark a significant moment not just in motorsport history, but in Hamilton’s personal journey—a new name to symbolize a new chapter with Ferrari, and potentially a final push for that elusive eighth world title.
However, Hamilton’s new beginning with Ferrari hasn’t gone entirely to plan. Despite the massive fanfare surrounding his switch from Mercedes, the British driver has found the transition challenging. As of the tenth race of the season, he sits sixth in the standings with 79 points—25 points adrift of his teammate Charles Leclerc, who’s firmly outpacing him.
Frustration has begun to boil beneath the surface, with Hamilton openly questioning the team’s strategy and development.
> “Of course I’m asking for these things [upgrades]. I don’t know why we haven’t been bringing upgrades, I think we have one hopefully coming soon,” he said recently.
“The mindset for me, I’m like ‘there’s a lot of changes that need to be made in the system.’ I wish I could tell you what’s happening. There’s a lot going on in the background.”
The raw honesty has sparked both concern and admiration from fans—some fearing the Ferrari-Hamilton dream pairing may not pan out, while others believe his passion and pursuit of excellence will eventually lead to a breakthrough. With the Austrian Grand Prix on the horizon, Hamilton is hoping to flip the narrative and put himself back in the championship fight.
What remains undisputed, however, is his determination to shape his legacy on and off the track. The name Hamilton-Larbalestier, if it appears on the grid soon, will stand as a powerful symbol—of respect, of family, and of rewriting tradition in a sport rooted in history.
As the world watches, one thing is certain: Lewis Hamilton isn’t just racing for titles anymore—he’s racing for legacy.
