Hamilton Brings Mother to Canadian GP: 'She's Really My Best Friend'

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton has brought his mother, Carmen Larbalestier, to the Canadian Grand Prix, a circuit where he secured his maiden F1 win in 2007 and is tied with Michael Schumacher for the most wins. After years of her only attending his home race at Silverstone, Hamilton convinced her to travel with him in 2026, and she has now joined him in Montreal.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's decision to bring his mother to a race weekend highlights the personal side of a driver who spends most of the year on the road. For a competitor who has achieved nearly everything in the sport, having family support adds an emotional layer that can positively impact performance.

The details:

• Hamilton has been trying to get his mother to travel with him for years, but she only attended Silverstone until recently.
• She promised at the end of last year that 2026 would be the year she would travel with him.
• The pair first traveled together to China, which Hamilton described as "the best time we'd ever had together."
• She then asked to come to Montreal, and Hamilton happily agreed.
• Hamilton noted that the Canadian GP is one of his favorite events, with an electric atmosphere and a track he loves.
• He also shared that his mother felt welcomed by the Ferrari team in China and enjoyed being around the Italian culture and food.

What's next:

Hamilton hopes his mother will attend more races in the future, with the Ferrari driver expressing gratitude for her presence. "She's really my best friend," he said, adding that having family support makes a significant difference to a race weekend.