Lando Norris to Race as Car Number 1 After Securing First F1 Title
Lando Norris, the newly crowned F1 World Champion, has announced he will race with the number 1 on his car in the upcoming season. This prestigious number, exclusively reserved for the reigning champion, signifies Norris’s accomplishment after securing his title during the Abu Dhabi finale.
Norris’s Historic Achievement
The British driver clinched the championship by a narrow margin of just two points, marking a significant milestone in his career. Traditionally, the number 1 reflects the hard work of the entire team, not just the driver.
Norris has been known to race with the number 4 on his car. However, stepping up to number 1 demonstrates his new status and acknowledges the efforts of his McLaren team. In an interview with Sky Sports News, he emphasized the importance of this number, stating, “It’s tradition, it’s there for a reason.”
Team Spirit and Pride
- Norris highlighted the collective pride within the McLaren team regarding this achievement.
- He mentioned that every member, from mechanics to engineers, shares in this recognition.
- Norris believes using the number 1 brings joy to his team, who have contributed significantly to his success.
A Brief History of the Number 1
Since 2014, Formula 1 drivers have the privilege to choose a number that represents them throughout their careers. Notably, Lewis Hamilton is the only World Champion to have declined the number 1, opting instead for his personal number, 44. Max Verstappen, who held the number 1 since his 2021 victory, used the number 33 prior to his championship win.
Looking Ahead
As Norris prepares for the 2026 season, he will debut his new car adorned with the number 1. His victory has not only changed his race number but has also instilled a newfound confidence as he steps into the role of the reigning Formula 1 World Champion.
