Lewis Hamilton announced he planned to change his name in 2022 (Image: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton celebrated his 40th birthday this week ahead of a landmark year in his Formula One career. The seven-time world champion officially joined at the turn of the year – but previously announced another major change to his life in 2022.
The British driver is aiming for a record-breaking eighth championship after swapping for the in 2025. was most recently world champion in 2020 – finishing 7th during his final year with – and will want to upset the odds when the season begins at the in March.
He will be only the fifth F1 driver this century to compete beyond his 40th birthday, and it has been more than 30 years since a driver in their fifth decade claimed a win on the track (Nigel Mansell, 1994). However, Hamilton is no stranger to challenging perceived wisdom, as he previously showed when sharing that he planned to change his name as a tribute to his mum.
“I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton,” 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.
“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.”
The last few years have been tough for Hamilton, with and dominating the sport. However, there are reasons for Hamilton, who claimed two wins and three other podium places last year, to be optimistic ahead of the new season. In the final nine races of 2024, achieved seven podium places and clinched three wins.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will be Ferrari team-mates next season (Image: Getty)
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“I could not be more excited for the year ahead,” Hamilton wrote on LinkedIn earlier this month. “Moving to Scuderia , there’s a lot to reflect on.
“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.
“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.”
Hamilton will head to ’s base in Italy at some point this month before the new season launch event at London’s O2 Arena on February 18. The new will be unveiled the following day, with pre-season testing beginning a week later, giving Hamilton and new team-mate Charles Leclerc just over a month to get to grips with the car.