Reason Lewis Hamilton will legally change his name with F1 star set to join exclusive five-man club

Lewis Hamilton is set to legally change his name as he approaches his 19th season in Formula One.

The Brit has previously revealed the reason behind the decision, having just turned 40 on Tuesday (7 January).

This milestone means that Hamilton will become the fifth F1 driver to race in his 40s this century, joining the club with other big names such as Kimi Räikkönen and Fernando Alonso.

The latter is the only other racer still active in his 40s, as the Spaniard prepares to begin his second season racing for Aston Martin.

Hamilton will be the third driver this century to race in his 40s (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Hamilton though, is starting the 2025 season in new overalls as the seven-time World Drivers' Champion will be racing for Ferrari, after 12 seasons at Mercedes.

The goal for Hamilton this season is to become the first racer since Nigell Mansell to win a race while over the age of 40.

Mansell emerged victorious at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix over Michael Schumacher by just 0.018 seconds, and did so aged 41.

It will be a significant year for Hamilton as he will be behind the wheel of a quicker car, though from a personal stand point, it could be the year where he finally changes his name.

Back in 2022, Hamilton revealed that he had plans to change his name, admitting that he was in the process of adding his mother's surname to his own.

Explaining that he doesn't know why women lose their name when they get married, he said to The Mirror: "I’m really proud of my family’s name: Hamilton. 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."

Hamilton went on: "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."

Hamilton wants to honour his mother by adding her surname to his own (ANDREW MATTHEWS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Following his memorable victory at Silverstone in the 2024 season, Hamilton took his mother and other family members onto the stage to celebrate his first win in three years.

The British F1 driver officially became a Ferrari driver on New Year's Day, and took to LinkedIn to release his first statement since joining the team.

"I could not be more excited for the year ahead. Moving to Scuderia Ferrari, there's a lot to reflect on," he said.

"To anyone contemplating their next step in 2025: embrace the change. Whether you're switching industries, acquiring a new skill, or simply tackling fresh 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."