Lando Norris Chooses 2026 F1 Car Number
Lando Norris has made a significant decision regarding his racing number for the 2026 Formula 1 season. This season marks his first as a world champion after an impressive competition that saw him surpass both Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri in the 2025 season.
Lando Norris Selects Number 1 for 2026 F1 Season
The McLaren driver will temporarily set aside his traditional number 4 to race with number 1, the honorary designation for the reigning world champion. This number was previously used by Verstappen, who finished second in the 2025 standings.
Max Verstappen’s Legacy with Number 1
Max Verstappen carried the number 1 for a remarkable 92 grand prix races from early 2022 until the closing race in Abu Dhabi, where Norris clinched the championship title. This extended use of the number 1 is a rare achievement in Formula 1, surpassing the record previously held by Michael Schumacher.
- Verstappen’s continuous hold of number 1 lasted five races longer than Schumacher’s 87 races.
- Schumacher also held number 1 across 120 grand prix races, a record that includes the 1995 and 1996 seasons.
- This era saw the drivers’ champions like Schumacher automatically assigned the number 1 car.
Lewis Hamilton’s Choice
In contrast to Norris, Lewis Hamilton famously chose to keep his number 44 during his championship reign, opting out of using number 1. This decision illustrates the varied approaches champions take regarding their racing numbers in Formula 1.
Norris’s selection of number 1 symbolizes his new status in the sport as a champion and his commitment to embracing this prestigious number as he embarks on a new chapter in his F1 career.
