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Topics: Celebrity
Ali Condon
Lewis Hamilton has announced plans to change his name in honour of his mum, Carmen Larbalestier.
The F1 champion revealed the news during the Dubai Expo this week, adding that the change "would mean the world to my family."
The name change will acknowledge his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, who divorced from his biological father Anthony Hamilton when Lewis was just two-years-old.
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Sharing his plans on Monday, Lewis questioned the traditions of women giving up their surnames after marriage.
He explained: "I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton.
"Actually none of you might know that my mum’s 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."
After his parents separated, Lewis lived with his mother up until the age of twelve, before moving in with his father, step-mother, and half brother Nicolas - who's also a racing driver.
When asked if the name change would be official in time for the Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend, Lewis replied: "It will be soon. No, I don't know if it will be this weekend, but we're working on it."
Reacting to the news, fans of the seven-time champ took to Twitter to praise his decision.
One tweeted: "I LOVE HIM MORE FOR THIS 💜💜💜".
A second commented: "Arguably the most thoughtful athlete there has ever been tbh".
A third fan added: "doesn't believe in women losing their name" ICONIC GO OFF."
Meanwhile, a fourth wrote: "Nothing but respect for the king himself, Sir Lewis Hamilton-Larbalestier. Having both parents name is a blessing and a celebration of your roots and that’s why I love to be double-barrelled too ♥️ @LewisHamilton #f1".
This is too sweet!