Lewis Hamilton shares 'I’m really proud' over major name change ahead of landmark F1 season

Lewis Hamilton, the British F1 legend, is gearing up for a landmark year as he celebrates his 40th birthday this week. Having made a significant team switch to Ferrari at the start of the new year, the seven-time world champion has set his sights on an eighth title to surpass his own records.

Despite his last championship win being in 2020 and finishing 7th in his final season with Mercedes, Hamilton is determined to make an impact in the upcoming season, starting with the Australian Grand Prix in March.

Joining the ranks of drivers competing into their 40s this century, Hamilton aims to replicate Nigel Mansell's success by winning in his fifth decade. Known for challenging conventions, Hamilton has also decided to honour his mother by changing his name.

"I'm really proud of my family's name: Hamilton," he expressed in 2022. "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", reports Wales Online.

Hamilton has been vocal about his thoughts on the tradition of changing surnames after marriage, telling the Express: "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."

Despite recent challenges in Formula 1, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull's dominance, Hamilton remains hopeful for the future. Last year, he secured two wins and three other podium finishes.

Ferrari showed impressive form over the last nine races of 2024, achieving seven podiums, including three wins. In January, Hamilton shared his enthusiasm about his move to Scuderia Ferrari on LinkedIn, saying, "I could not be more excited for the year ahead," and reflecting on the significance of the change.

Looking towards 2025, Hamilton offers advice to those considering a career change: "To anyone considering their next move in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you're switching industries, learning a new skill, or even just taking on new challenges, remember that reinvention is powerful. Your next opportunity is always within reach."

He ends with an inspiring message for the new year: "Here's to 2025 - a year of embracing new opportunities, staying hungry, and driving forward with purpose. Let's make it one to remember. Andiamo #newjob."

Expectations are high as Hamilton prepares for a new chapter at Ferrari's headquarters in Italy, before the much-anticipated season launch event at London's O2 Arena on February 18. The big reveal of the new Ferrari will take place the next day, and pre-season testing will commence a week later.

This gives Hamilton and his new teammate Charles Leclerc a little over a month to familiarise themselves with the nuances of their car.