Lewis Hamilton has taken to social media with a heartfelt message to his biological mother and stepmother, describing them as his 'light in dark times'. The seven-time world champion is enjoying a free weekend, with the F1 calendar taking a break ahead of the next race in Japan. He chose to mark Mother's Day with a public message to his two maternal figures on Instagram.

Hamilton's biological mother is Carmen Larbalestier, who was born in 1955 and gave birth to him 30 years later. She has been spotted at several Grand Prix weekends in support of her son and went with him to Windsor Castle when he was knighted in late 2021. He also has a stepmother, Linda, who has also been spotted in the paddock on many occasions. Hamilton sent a message to both of them on Sunday, taking to Instagram to thank them for everything they have done for him over the years.

"I want to celebrate these two beautiful women that have kept me going in life," wrote Hamilton. "I’m always in awe of mothers. Selfless, loving, devoting and nurturing.

"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.

"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.

"Please remember you are appreciated and loved. You are the light in dark times. Thank you for all you do, happy Mother’s Day."

Hamilton previously credited his two mothers for influencing his F1 success and has revealed plans to add Larbalestier to his surname in honour of Carmen.

Speaking at a Mercedes event in 2022, he said: "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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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."