Lewis Hamilton legally changes his name and plans to race with it

Lewis Hamilton is celebrating his 40th birthday this week and is in the midst of a landmark year in his Formula One career – having officially joined Ferrari at the turn of the year

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Celebrating his 40th birthday this week, Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to a pivotal year in his Formula One career, having made the significant move to join Ferrari as the new year began. The British driving ace, a seven-time world champion, announced another his intent to break records with an eighth F1 championship following his shift from Mercedes to Scuderia in 2025.

With his latest conquest in the championship dating back to 2020 and finishing 7th in his last season at Mercedes, Hamilton is keen to defy expectations in the upcoming season, which kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix in March. As he joins the exclusive ranks of F1 drivers racing into their 40s this century, Hamilton also seeks to emulate Nigel Mansell’s 1994 feat and secure a win in his fifth decade.

Demonstrating his penchant for questioning norms and traditions, Hamilton, who claimed his most recent title in 2020, has publicly spoken about his decision to honour his mother by changing his name. “I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton,” he said in 2022.

“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.” Hamilton went on to reveal he planned to use the new name when competing in the future.

In expressing his views on familial names post-marriage, Hamilton shared: “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.”, reports the Express.

Hamilton has had a challenging time in recent years, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominating Formula 1. Yet, the motorsport icon who notched up two wins and three other podium finishes last year sees reasons for hope as he eyes the upcoming season.

Over the final nine races of 2024, Ferrari clinched seven podium spots, including three victories. Earlier in January, Hamilton expressed his excitement about joining Scuderia Ferrari on LinkedIn: “I could not be more excited for the year ahead,” he remarked.

“Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there’s a lot to reflect on.”

Hamilton goes on to offer advice for those contemplating career shifts in 2025: “To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you’re switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach.”

He concluded with an inspiring call to action for the new year: “Here’s to 2025 – a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remember. Andiamo #newjob.”

Expectations are high as Hamilton prepares for a new chapter at Ferrari’s headquarters in Italy, before the much-anticipated season launch event at London’s O2 Arena on February 18. The big reveal of the new Ferrari will take place the next day, and pre-season testing will commence a week later.

This gives Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc a little over a month to familiarize themselves with the nuances of their car.

Lewis Hamilton is celebrating his 40th birthday this week and is in the midst of a landmark year in his Formula One career – having officially joined Ferrari at the turn of the year

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Celebrating his 40th birthday this week, Lewis Hamilton is looking forward to a pivotal year in his Formula One career, having made the significant move to join Ferrari as the new year began. The British driving ace, a seven-time world champion, announced another his intent to break records with an eighth F1 championship following his shift from Mercedes to Scuderia in 2025.

With his latest conquest in the championship dating back to 2020 and finishing 7th in his last season at Mercedes, Hamilton is keen to defy expectations in the upcoming season, which kicks off at the Australian Grand Prix in March. As he joins the exclusive ranks of F1 drivers racing into their 40s this century, Hamilton also seeks to emulate Nigel Mansell’s 1994 feat and secure a win in his fifth decade.

Demonstrating his penchant for questioning norms and traditions, Hamilton, who claimed his most recent title in 2020, has publicly spoken about his decision to honour his mother by changing his name. “I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton,” he said in 2022.

“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.” Hamilton went on to reveal he planned to use the new name when competing in the future.

In expressing his views on familial names post-marriage, Hamilton shared: “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.”, reports the Express.

Hamilton has had a challenging time in recent years, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull dominating Formula 1. Yet, the motorsport icon who notched up two wins and three other podium finishes last year sees reasons for hope as he eyes the upcoming season.

Over the final nine races of 2024, Ferrari clinched seven podium spots, including three victories. Earlier in January, Hamilton expressed his excitement about joining Scuderia Ferrari on LinkedIn: “I could not be more excited for the year ahead,” he remarked.

“Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there’s a lot to reflect on.”

Hamilton goes on to offer advice for those contemplating career shifts in 2025: “To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you’re switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach.”

He concluded with an inspiring call to action for the new year: “Here’s to 2025 – a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let’s make it one to remember. Andiamo #newjob.”

Expectations are high as Hamilton prepares for a new chapter at Ferrari’s headquarters in Italy, before the much-anticipated season launch event at London’s O2 Arena on February 18. The big reveal of the new Ferrari will take place the next day, and pre-season testing will commence a week later.

This gives Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc a little over a month to familiarize themselves with the nuances of their car.