Janine Van der Post | Accusing Hamilton of virtue signalling for honouring his mom is a cheap shot

Just before the 2022 Formula One season began, Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton revealed he would be taking up his mother's maiden name and adding it to his own. While it should be something commendable, it's only given society more ammunition against the Briton — and for no reason at all.

But why is it that every time the seven-time world champion does anything outside the sport, he is attacked, not only by anti-Hamilton fans but the media as well? Yes, including our own.

Earlier this week, Wheels24's Charlen Raymond wrote an opinion piece accusing Lewis of virtue signalling for honouring his mom in such a deeply personal way.

Hamilton made it clear that he wanted to honour his mother in this way because he wanted the legacy of her name to continue. He also grappled with the age-old patriarchal tradition of women having to change their surnames to that of their husbands once they get married.  

It's only in recent times that it's become more common for women to opt not to change their surnames or for married men to choose to take on their wife's surname. As a young wife, I decided to take on my husband's name. Neither of these options is wrong, and that's precisely what Lewis wanted to highlight in a very symbolic and clear way. 

As a married woman and a mother myself, I find Lewis' gesture extremely honourable. He could easily have bought his mother expensive jewellery, a new home, or a fancy car, but instead, Sir Lewis will be adding Larbalestier as a third middle name. Much like John Winston Ono Lennon and Yoko Ono Lennon took on each other's last names when they tied the knot to symbolise unity and good luck. 

Lewis's noble act pays homage to his roots, acknowledges his mother's sacrifices, and carries forward her legacy