“It will mean the world for my family (to win an eighth title),” Hamilton said at Expo 2020 in Dubai. “It would be very important for me to know that, for example, I am really proud of the name of my family, Hamilton.
“Perhaps none of you know my mother’s name is Larbalestier and I’m just about to put that in my name.”
It’s unclear when the changes will take effect, but the Brit said it will: “Hopefully soon. We are working on it”.
Hamilton’s parents divorced when he was a toddler, and he credits his mother and stepmother as positive influences in his upbringing. He lived with his mother Carmen until the age of 12 and then moved in with his father Anthony, who played an important role in his early career.
“I don’t quite get the whole idea that when people get married a woman loses her name,” Hamilton said, “and I really want my mom’s name to continue with the name Hamilton.”
Although Hamilton’s relationship with his father has been highly publicized – his father worked multiple jobs to support him and was his manager until 2010 – Hamilton’s mother has also been a big contributor to his success.