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Lewis Hamilton's reason for changing his name ahead of the 2022 F1 season

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Lewis Hamilton confirmed he would undergo a name change in 2022 (Image: Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton confirmed he would undergo a name change in 2022 (Image: Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton announced two years ago that he was set to change his name in a touching tribute to his mum.

The seven-time F1 world champion revealed his intent ahead of the 2022 season, and was hopeful of it being completed before the campaign kicked off. Hamilton confirmed that he was set to add his mum’s maiden name to his own.

Speaking at the time, Hamilton 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.

“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.”

Two years down the line, it has not yet been confirmed that Hamilton has officially changed his name. He also hasn’t enjoyed the best of luck on the track.

Inside the driver call which upset Red Bull and changed the course of F1 history eiqruidqeireprwInside the driver call which upset Red Bull and changed the course of F1 history

He finished sixth in the drivers’ standings at the end of the 2022 campaign, and followed that up with third spot the following season. Hamilton has also endured a very frustrating start to the current year.

He languishes down in 10th without a single podium after three races. He finished seventh and ninth in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia respectively, before being forced to retire in Australia.

While Hamilton has yet to make a change to his name, he has already gone ahead with a major decision ahead of next season. He is set to join Ferrari from Mercedes. There has already been plenty of speculation regarding his replacement. Hamilton reckons that Sebastian Vettel could be an option.

Lewis Hamilton's reason for changing his name ahead of the 2022 F1 seasonLewis Hamilton celebrates with his mum in 2017 (Getty Images)

How will Hamilton do with Ferrari? Share your predictions in the comments below

Asked about a potential retirement u-turn from the German, he replied: “You’re always going to miss it. It’s the greatest sport in the world and it’s the greatest experience in the world. It’s the most amazing feeling to be working with a group of people towards winning something, achieving something.

“Probably there’s nothing that’s going to ever feel the same. I’ve not asked any of the drivers what they’re missing, but I can just imagine.

“But I would love for Seb to come back. I think he would be an amazing option for the team, to have a multi world championship-winning driver, someone who’s got amazing values to continue to take this team forwards… I would love it if he came back.”

For the time being, Hamilton will be back in action this weekend. F1 gets back underway for the Japan GP on Sunday.

Daniel Orme

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