Lewis Hamilton’s passport now tells a deeply personal family story. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has officially added his mother’s surname to his legal name, and the reason behind the change is melting hearts across the racing world.
The Ferrari star first teased the plan back in Bahrain ahead of the 2022 season, telling reporters he was in the middle of making it happen. Now, four years later, he has confirmed the paperwork is complete.
During a recent sit-down with F1 broadcaster Naomi Schiff, Hamilton opened up about why this change meant so much to him.
“She’s like a lucky charm,” he said of his mother.
Hamilton explained that his mom has no brothers or sisters, making her the last of her generation. That reality hit him hard, especially when he thought about how family names tend to disappear through marriage.
“I don’t really believe in that personally,” he shared. “So I put hers in my name so it will always be a part of me.”
His passport now reads Lewis Carl Davidson Larbalestier Hamilton, a full name that pays tribute to the woman who raised him.
The revelation came around the same time Hamilton and his mother shared a magical moment in Milan, stepping onto a balcony together in front of a roaring Ferrari crowd. The seven-time champion has made it a mission to bring his mom along for more of the journey this season.
That wasn’t always easy. Hamilton admitted his mother used to shy away from travel, struggling with confidence about her appearance.
So he stepped in. He took her shopping, helped her find a fresh wardrobe, and now she is often spotted in Chanel, looking absolutely fabulous. She has also been working out and feeling better than ever.
“She’s just in a much better place,” Hamilton said.
This year, she told her son she was ready to hit the road with him. They have already been to Australia and China together, explored parts of China, met up in Montreal, and took a trip through Vancouver and Banff.
She is also expected at the Italian Grand Prix, the race after that, and Singapore. Hamilton noted that most weekends she has been in attendance, he has landed on the podium.
“That’s the goal,” he smiled.
With his lucky charm by his side and a new name that honors his roots, could this be the season Hamilton finally claims that elusive eighth world title?
