Lewis Hamilton to change his name to honour his mother

ITV News's Rishi Davda reports on Sir Lewis Hamilton's plan to change his name

Sir Lewis Hamilton has revealed he is in the process of changing his name to include his mother's surname.

The seven-time Formula One world champion said he planned to incorporate his mother Carmen Lockhart's maiden name, Larbalestier, alongside Hamilton.

Speaking ahead of the new Formula One season which starts in Bahrain on Sunday, the racing driver, 37, said: “I am really proud of my family’s name. My mum’s name is Larbalestier and I am just about to put that in my name.

“I don’t really fully understand the whole idea that when people get married the woman loses her name and I really want my mum’s name to continue on with the Hamilton name."

Hamilton’s father Anthony and his mother Carmen separated when Lewis was two.

In December, he invited Carmen to watch him receive his knighthood from Prince Charles at Windsor Castle, just days after he controversially lost out on a record eighth title to Red Bull rival Max Verstappen.

Asked when he anticipated the name change would take place, Hamilton replied: “Hopefully soon. We are working on it.”

Hamilton is gearing up for his 16th season on the grid and bidding to avenge last year’s defeat to Verstappen.

But following last week’s final test, Hamilton said he feared Mercedes were behind Red Bull and Ferrari in the pecking order and that his car would not be quick enough to fight for victories.

“Bahrain is going to be tough,” added Hamilton, who was speaking at Dubai Expo 2020 on Monday.

“I am really hoping that when I get on the call this evening – with my team at Brackley and Brixworth – they have found some tricks and ways to extract more from this car.

“There were a lot of cars that looked fast in testing. Alfa Romeo looked fast, Valtteri (Bottas) looked quick, and obviously the Red Bull looked ridiculously fast – but we are the best team.”