Why Lewis Hamilton decided to change his name as huge net worth emerges

Lewis Hamilton will attempt to overcome an emotionally challenging period at the United States Grand Prix this Sunday. The Formula One star has been grieving the death of his cherished companion Roscoe, who tragically died in September following a severe illness.

The English bulldog had been put into an induced coma whilst receiving treatment for pneumonia and Hamilton was forced to say goodbye to his beloved pet shortly afterwards. The former Mercedes racer will seek to boost his morale with an impressive showing for Ferrari as he strives to conclude the campaign on a positive note. The seasoned driver has endured a disappointing season with the Italian team, achieving his finest result of fourth position at the British GP in July.

Here, Express Sport has explored Hamilton's Formula One career, including a shock name change and his current net worth as a competing driver.

Surprising name change

In 2022, Hamilton shared his intentions to honour his mother, Carmen, through an unexpected name change. The F1 champion received a knighthood in 2021 for his contributions to motorsport and was accompanied by his mother at the Windsor Castle ceremony.

Twelve months later, the racer revealed he was undertaking the process of incorporating his mother's maiden surname, Larbalestier, as his middle name.

Hamilton said: "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."

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As of 2025, it remains a mystery whether Hamilton has successfully changed his name or not.

Huge net worth

Hamilton was crowned Britain's wealthiest active sportsman by the 2025 Sunday Times Rich List, boasting a net worth of nearly £400 million. The seven-time world champion is the 324th richest individual in the UK, with his switch from Mercedes to Ferrari causing his net worth to soar to an astonishing £385m.

Following his surprising move to Scuderia, the driver reportedly rakes in £50m a year on his two-year contract, surpassing Max Verstappen's record-breaking annual contract of £47m with Red Bull.

With numerous fourth-place finishes under his belt, Hamilton could be pocketing even more than his base salary with performance bonuses not included in the initial figure.

The 40-year-old also enhances his earnings through various endorsement deals and his own business ventures, which include a streetwear line and a part-ownership stake in the NFL team, the Denver Broncos.

Hardest decision of Hamilton's life

Hamilton confessed that switching off Roscoe's life support was the "hardest decision" he has ever faced. The Ferrari star could only stand by as his dog was put into a coma during a fight with pneumonia and battled for four days on life support.

Following Roscoe's tragic passing, Hamilton shared the devastating news on his social media platforms. He wrote: "After four days on life support, fighting with every bit of strength he had, I had to make the hardest decision of my life and say goodbye to Roscoe.

"He never stopped fighting, right until the very end. I feel so grateful and honoured to have shared my life with such a beautiful soul, an angel and true friend.

"Bringing Roscoe into my life was the best decision I ever made, and I will forever cherish the memories we created together.

"Although I lost Coco, I have never been faced with putting a dog to sleep before, though I know my mum and many close friends have. It is one of the most painful experiences and I feel a deep connection to everyone who has gone through the loss of a beloved pet.

"Although it was so hard, having him was one of the most beautiful parts of life, to love so deeply and to be loved in return. Thank you all for the love and support you've shown Roscoe over the years. It has been so special to witness and feel."