Lewis Hamilton's plans to legally change his name and gigantic net worth
Lewis Hamilton is finally in a buoyant mood following a punishing debut campaign with Ferrari, during which he failed to secure a single podium across 24 races. He finished the 2025 season 86 points adrift of team-mate Charles Leclerc in the Drivers' Championship.
This season has shown considerably more promise for the Briton, having recently delivered the finest Grand Prix performance of his Ferrari tenure by claiming second place at the Canadian Grand Prix. That result has propelled Hamilton to fourth in the standings, a position that could yet improve further following this weekend's racing.
Despite Mercedes' stranglehold on the early stages of the 2026 season, Ferrari pose a formidable threat at the Monaco Grand Prix. This is largely down to the distinctive demands of the Monte Carlo circuit, where its low-speed corners suit the Italian outfit far better than their competitors.
Ferrari have been identified by both reigning world champion Lando Norris and four-time consecutive race winner Kimi Antonelli as the strongest force to overcome. The seven-time world champion will be eager to seize upon that advantage by securing his maiden Grand Prix victory in Ferrari colours, as we bring you the very latest on his life away from the circuit.
Enormous net worth
The racing icon's staggering fortune has propelled him up the Sunday Times Rich List - an annual ranking of the 350 wealthiest individuals or families living in the UK. Hamilton now sits 294th in 2026, climbing from 324th the previous year, with an estimated net worth of £435million.
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Having participated in one of the world's most lucrative sports for 19 years, Hamilton has amassed considerable wealth during his stints with McLaren, Mercedes and now Ferrari. He is reported to pocket approximately £52m per year under his current deal with the Italian team.
His F1 earnings throughout his career have been enhanced by performance-related bonuses and team triumphs. Off the circuit, Hamilton ranks among the most marketable sportspeople globally, having struck endorsement agreements with major brands including Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, Sony, Dior, IWC and Lululemon, contributing roughly £22m to his yearly earnings.
Hamilton has also expanded his commercial interests by establishing his own film production venture, Dawn Apollo Films, which produced the F1 movie, and holding a stake in the NFL's Denver Broncos. He also co-established Almave, a non-alcoholic tequila label.
Name change plans
Hamilton has previously expressed his desire to honour his mother by legally incorporating her maiden name into his middle name. He revealed in 2022: "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 to disclose his intention to adopt the revised name in future racing competitions. He had hoped to make the switch in 2025, though it remains uncertain exactly when the change will be made official.
Offering his views on family surnames following marriage, Hamilton added: "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."