Hamilton was speaking at the 2022 Dubai Expo
Lewis Hamilton has announced that he is changing his name.
The Formula 1 driver, speaking at the 2022 Dubai Expo, 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.”
When the 37-year-old was asked whether the change would come into effect in time for the first race of the season in Bahrain this weekend, he replied: “It will be soon. No, I don’t know if it will be this weekend. But we’re working on it.”
Following the controversial ending to last season, it was unclear whether Hamilton would return to Formula 1 this season.
However, the Brit confirmed he would be back and will begin his hunt to reclaim the F1 title this weekend after Max Verstappen won his maiden title in the dying seconds of last season.
When Williams driver Nicholas Latifi crashed into the barriers late into the race, the safety car was deployed at the Yas Marina Circuit. This saw Hamilton’s significant lead drastically reduced, with Verstappen boasting the advantage as he was using fresher tyres.
The decision to allow lapped cars to pass the safety car was extremely controversial, and Sir Lewis – who looked destined to win a record eighth world title – said on the car radio “This has been manipulated, man”, but was later complementary to the Dutchman in post-race interviews.
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