Lewis Hamilton, a name synonymous with Formula 1, celebrated a significant milestone on January 7, 2024, as he turned 40 years old. This notable birthday made him the fifth driver of the 21st century to compete in F1 while being in his 40s, alongside renowned peers like Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen. As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter, he has set his sights on an ambitious goal: to become the first driver since Nigel Mansell in 1994 to clinch a race victory after reaching the age milestone of forty.
In a new venture with Scuderia Ferrari, Hamilton is likely to be equipped with a competitive car that could enable him to achieve this goal. His transition from Mercedes to Ferrari comes after a period of mixed performance, and the team is hoping his experience and skill can revitalize their championship ambitions. If anyone can make a mark in their new team at this stage in their career, it’s Hamilton, whose talent has been evident throughout his illustrious journey in Formula 1.
Hamilton’s life in 2024 is poised for change beyond just his new team. The British driver has previously expressed his desire to legally change his name to honor his mother, Carmen Larbalestier. He has been vocal about his beliefs regarding names and traditions, particularly the custom of women adopting their husbands’ surnames upon marriage. Hamilton has reflected on his pride in his family name and the significance of maintaining a connection to his mother’s lineage. His new name would not only highlight his heritage but would also serve as a tribute to the strong influence his mother has had on his life and career.
In a move that celebrates his roots, Hamilton’s first victory with Ferrari came at Silverstone in 2024, a significant moment as he shared the joy with his mother and extended family during the celebrations on stage. After a win that marked his first since 2021, the occasion underscored the importance of family in Hamilton’s journey. His post-race reflections reinforced his beliefs around identity and family, further weaving his personal story into his professional one.
Joining Ferrari marks a fresh start for Hamilton, who has taken the reins of the team’s test runs ahead of the official pre-season testing. This privilege allows him a strategic advantage over teammate Charles Leclerc, who, despite his experience since joining Ferrari in 2019, has not been able to test the new car as extensively as Hamilton before the season commences. The additional track time Hamilton will receive could be crucial in adjusting to the intricacies of Ferrari’s engineering and philosophy, potentially setting the stage for a strong start to the season.
As he formally became a Ferrari driver on January 1, 2024, Hamilton made sure to communicate his excitement through a LinkedIn post, conveying a sense of enthusiasm for what lies ahead. He emphasized the value of embracing change, a sentiment that resonates deeply in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, where adaptability often spells the difference between success and failure. Hamilton’s message urged others to take on challenges, whether in their careers or personal lives, and to remain open to new opportunities that could pave the way for reinvention.
