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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Daniel Moxon

Lewis Hamilton changed his name to honour mum who "taught him empathy and warmth"

Lewis Hamilton joined the other British Formula 1 stars in sending a special message to home on Mother's Day ahead of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Hamilton's parents Anthony and Carmen Larbalestier divorced when he was young but she has still been an important influence on him. On Sunday, the Mercedes racer paid tribute to both the mother figures he feels grateful to have had in life.

He said: "I have two mums. My biological mum. She's the one that taught me about empathy and warmth and compassion for others in the world. And I was lucky enough to have a second mother, my stepmum Linda. I'm just so grateful that I had them both with me all the way."

Last year, Hamilton announced he would be changing his name. It does not affect how he is addressed on a race weekend, but his official name now incorporates the Larbalestier name as "an addition to my middle name," he explained.

Explaining the decision, he said: "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.

"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."

Carmen Larbalestier has watched her son Lewis Hamilton enjoy so much F1 success (Getty Images)

He later added: "I spent Christmas with all of my immediate family. My mum, my step-mum, my dad, my two sisters, my brother. I thought of it for a long time. I've always been very, very close to my parents and both mums have always been absolutely incredible. Thanks to them, I've grown up with so much respect for women.

"I already have my grandad's name from my dad's side in mine – Davidson – and I wanted my mum and grandad's name. It was going to be a surprise, I was going to tell her first but I let it slip out. My mum was very happy, proud and emotional. I have already applied. It won't be a surname – it will be an addition to my middle name."

On Sunday, George Russell, Lando Norris and Alex Albon also sent a special message to their mothers. Norris said: "My mum's role has been very important in my life. She's been as supportive as a mum can be for letting their son go on to try to achieve their goal. I couldn't have asked for more."

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