Importance Score: 20 / 100 🔵
Lewis Hamilton Celebrates Mother’s Day, Hails Mothers as ‘Light in Dark Times’
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion, Lewis Hamilton, has publicly expressed his gratitude and admiration for his birth mother, Carmen Larbalestier, and his stepmother, Linda, in a touching tribute posted on social media. Taking to Instagram, the Mercedes driver, currently enjoying a break from the F1 calendar before the upcoming Japanese Grand Prix, used the occasion of Mother’s Day to honor the two significant maternal figures in his life, describing them as his “light in dark times.” This heartfelt message underscores the profound impact of his mothers on his life and illustrious racing career.
Tribute to Carmen and Linda
Hamilton’s birth mother, Carmen Larbalestier, born in 1955, gave birth to the racing icon 30 years later. Carmen has been a visible presence at numerous Grand Prix events, consistently supporting her son. She also accompanied Hamilton to Windsor Castle when he received his knighthood in 2021. His stepmother, Linda, has also frequently been seen in the Formula 1 paddock. On Sunday, Hamilton conveyed a special Mother’s Day message to both women via Instagram, expressing deep appreciation for their unwavering support throughout the years.
Hamilton’s Words of Appreciation
In his Instagram post, Hamilton wrote: “I want to celebrate these two beautiful women that have kept me going in life. I’m always in awe of mothers. Selfless, loving, devoting and nurturing.”
He further elaborated on their individual influences, stating, “My mum would sit with me to study and even when I struggled, her patience gave me hope. My step mum always encouraged my creativity and was there for me on and off the track.”
Hamilton fondly recalled specific acts of care: “When I raced in the rain, there would always be a warm fire and noodle soup back at the trailer. These are just a few of the million ways they’ve supported me I am forever grateful to them and to all the mothers out there.”
He concluded his message with a universal acknowledgement: “Please remember you are appreciated and loved. You are the light in dark times. Thank you for all you do, happy Mother’s Day.”
Mothers’ Influence on F1 Success
Hamilton has previously acknowledged the pivotal roles his two mothers played in his Formula 1 success. In the past, he has also spoken about plans to incorporate Larbalestier into his surname as a tribute to his birth mother, Carmen.
Hamilton’s 2022 Reflections on Motherhood
“Two Incredibly Empowered Women”
During a Mercedes event in 2022, Hamilton emphasized the profound impact of his mothers: “One of the reasons that I am here and I have the success today is, that I’ve got actually two mums, two incredibly independent empowered women, my mum and stepmum.”
Sacrifice and Support
He detailed the sacrifices made by his stepmother: “My stepmum became my stepmum when I was two and she was incredible, she sacrificed. My dad and my stepmum worked together to get me into racing. She sacrificed everything, all of her money, she didn’t buy any new dresses.”
Hamilton highlighted the financial strain of his early racing career and the dedication of his parents: “They weren’t out enjoying life or on holidays, all of their money went into racing, and my dad couldn’t have done that alone. I remember her being at home and stitching my name into my first suit, keeping us warm throughout the weekend.”
Compassion and Empathy
He underlined the holistic support he received: “Otherwise, we wouldn’t have drunk, we wouldn’t have eaten, we would have been completely useless. That supportive structure that both my mums have given me has really enabled me to excel.”
Hamilton also spoke of the emotional qualities he learned from his mothers: “Also, we live in a world where there is not enough compassion and not enough empathy. I feel I really got that from both my mothers’ sides. My dad is just a hard nut, work-your-butt-off, very aggressive.”