Hamilton changes his surname: “I also want my mother’s”

Here there is no religious choice involved, as when Cassisu Clay became – after his conversion to Islam – Muhammad Ali. Here, however, it is still a matter of faith. Faith in one’s own history, faith in the roots of the family. Lewis Hamilton – the multiple Formula 1 world champion, one of the greatest drivers of all time – has decided to add his mother’s maiden name to his surname Carmen Larbalestier. A decision that has displaced many, but certainly not those who know Hamilton well and know how attentive the man is to certain issues.

The explanation of the new surname is in fact the manifesto of a champion who has always been in step with the rhythm of the world and has always been attentive to the civil issues that govern it. In fact, Hamilton said: “I decided to add my mother’s surname because I don’t quite understand the idea that when a woman gets married she loses her surname. I really want my mother’s name to continue with the name Hamilton. ‘ A gesture of affection, but also a way to reaffirm one’s diversity compared to the many colleagues who – in the world of sport – seem committed to never taking sides.

It was not a habit, that of Hamilton. But a tribute. “It would mean a lot to my family. I am really proud of my family name, Hamilton. Perhaps none of you know that my mother’s name is Larbalestier, and I’m about to put it in my name ”, said Hamilton in Dubai, where Expo 2022 was underway. Mother and father Anthony (originally from the islands of Grenada and emigrated to England to seek his fortune) they separated when the Mercedes driver – born in Stevenage, in the county of Hertfordshire – was just 12 years old. But Mrs. Carmen Larbalestier is always close to her son in her most important moments. Not least when Lewis was knighted. At the official ceremony in Windsor, mother and son stood next to each other. And Hamilton himself has never stopped remembering the sacrifices made by his parents to allow him to start competing in karts.

Meanwhile the World Cup begins in Barhain on Sunday. Hamilton, who remained at Mercedes, seems to have disposed of the disappointment after the World Championship vanished on the last lap of the carousel and won by Max Verstappen. “I’m going back to the World Championship because I want the eighth title”: to enter the legend, perhaps with a new “middle name” between name and surname.