The new World Champion has chosen to stay with the number Ayrton Senna used in 1988 instead of taking number 1.
Kimi Antonelli, who clinched the Formula 1 drivers' title at the Mexico City Grand Prix, said he will keep race number 12 for 2027 instead of using the champion's number 1. He cited its significance as Ayrton Senna's number in 1988, staying grounded and his own superstition.
Kimi Antonelli will keep number 12 rather than switch to number 1 when he defends his Formula 1 drivers' title in 2027, Formula 1 reported. The Mercedes driver became World Champion at the Mexico City Grand Prix, finishing third in the 71-lap race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
Since 2014 drivers have been able to pick their own race numbers, with number 1 reserved for the reigning champion. Lewis Hamilton kept 44 through his six titles with Mercedes, while Max Verstappen and, this season, Lando Norris chose number 1 after winning their championships.
Antonelli, who is 20 and the youngest champion in the sport's history, currently races with 12. That was the number used by his idol Ayrton Senna when the Brazilian won the first of his three titles with McLaren in 1988. Asked after the race in Mexico, he said the number held even more significance now.
Why Antonelli is staying with 12
He told Formula 1 that keeping the number is a way to stay grounded and humble, and that it gives him "a new point where to start" and build again. He also called himself very superstitious, saying number 1 has never been a good number for him.
- Number 1 is optional for the champion, not compulsory.
- Antonelli took nine wins this season in his second year in Formula 1.
- He missed the podium in only three races.
