Sir Lewis Hamilton has confirmed he is in the process of changing his name so his mum's legacy can live on ahead of the new Formula One season.
The racing legend intends to incorporate his mum Carmen’s maiden name, Larbalestier, alongside Hamilton, he announced on stage at the 2022 Dubai Expo.
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in action during testing
HAMAD I MOHAMMED
The seven-time world champion said: "I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton.
"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."
The Mercedes driver, whose parents are divorced, has questioned why women lose their surname after they become married saying he didn't "fully understand the whole idea".
The Formula One 2022 season begins this weekend with the Bahrain Grand Prix. Hamilton will be trying to clinch the crown from Red Bull's reigning champion Max Verstappen.
Team Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton (back right) in the paddock during pre-season training
Hasan Bratic/DPA via PA Wire
When asked if the name change would come before the highly anticipated event. He replied: "Hopefully soon, I don't know if it will be this weekend... but we are working on it."
Hamilton predominantly grew up with his dad and stepmum Linda but has become much closer with his birth mother in more recent years.
This Friday, practice one and two will take place and the final session and qualifying will follow on the Saturday.
The race will start at 3pm on Sunday. Joining Hamilton on the Mercedes' team will be George Russell.
Responding to the incoming name change, Formula One commentator David Croft called it "fantastic".
"Lewis is so attached to his dad because of their background and the karting weekends, and the bond that came through racing," said Croft. "But he has also got a huge bond with his mum, he loves her to bits," he said to Sky Sports.
Mr Croft added: "I think it's brilliant that he's going to take her name and well done, Lewis. He's doing it for all the right reasons.
"Obviously his mum and dad have been separated for many, many years but they both come to the same races, we see them both together and I think it's fantastic what he's doing."
