Sir Lewis Hamilton has announced that he is changing his name.
Speaking at the Dubai Expo, Lewis revealed that he will be adding his mother’s surname to his as he questioned the tradition of women losing their maiden names when they get married.
Lewis said, “I am really proud of my family’s name. 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 of why, when people get married, the woman loses her name. I really want her name to continue on with the Hamilton name.”
Lewis also added that he is unsure if his name will be ratified for competitions, including the Bahrain Grand Prix that starts this weekend.
Lewis said, “It will be soon, No, I don’t know if it will be this weekend but we’re working on it.”
The news comes as Lewis prepares for his 16th season in the sport following retirement rumours after his December race in Abu Dhabi.
As previously reported, Mercedes lodged two protests after Max Verstappen overtook Hamilton during the last lap of their 12th December race and five lapped cars that separated the two rivals were able to unlap themselves which arguably gave Verstappen an advantage.
The protest was raised after Mercedes alleged that Article 48.12 of the FIA Sporting Regulations – “any cars that have been lapped by the leader will be required to pass the cars on the lead lap and the safety car”, was broken.
Later that December, Lewis Hamilton officially received his knighthood.