11 Instances of Formula 1 Drivers Adopting Rival Car Numbers

Max Verstappen is set to change his car number for the 2026 Formula 1 season. After four seasons racing with number 1, he will adopt the number 3. This change comes as Lando Norris takes over the champion’s number next season. The significance of car numbers is considerable in F1, often encapsulating personal meaning for the drivers.

History of Formula 1 Car Numbers

From 2014 onward, drivers could select their own numbers, breaking from the previous method of assignment based on the Teams’ Championship order. Only two numbers hold restrictions: number 1 is reserved for the reigning World Champion, and number 17 is retired in honor of Jules Bianchi. Most drivers choose numbers that resonate with their careers, often carrying them across various racing categories.

11 Instances of Formula 1 Drivers Adopting Rival Car Numbers

The following are notable examples of drivers who have adopted the numbers of their predecessors:

• 3 – Max Verstappen from Daniel Ricciardo: Verstappen will now race with number 3, a number Ricciardo famously carried during his time in F1.
• 5 – Gabriel Bortoleto from Sebastian Vettel: The rookie will utilize the number previously worn by Vettel, linking both to a successful history.
• 6 – Isack Hadjar from Nicholas Latifi: Hadjar is returning with the number 6, which Latifi also used during his stint in F1.
• 22 – Yuki Tsunoda from Jenson Button: Tsunoda has chosen to race with 22, reminiscent of Button’s championship-winning season.
• 10 – Pierre Gasly from Kamui Kobayashi: Gasly continues the legacy of number 10, used previously by Kobayashi in F1.
• 30 – Liam Lawson from Jolyon Palmer: Lawson adopts number 30, a familiar one from Palmer’s history in F1.
• 12 – Kimi Antonelli from Felipe Nasr: Antonelli has chosen number 12, paying tribute to the legendary Ayrton Senna.
• 7 – Jack Doohan from Kimi Raikkonen: Doohan will drive with the number 7, which Raikkonen carried during his successful career.
• 2 – Logan Sargeant from Stoffel Vandoorne: Sargeant has returned to number 2, which holds personal significance from his earlier racing days.
• 99 – Antonio Giovinazzi from Adrian Sutil: Giovinazzi picks number 99, a choice reflecting Sutil’s unique F1 legacy.
• 1 – Lando Norris from Max Verstappen: Norris will don number 1 in the upcoming season, marking a tradition for the reigning champion.

Significance and Personal Stories

Each number change carries a story, often steeped in personal history or memorable moments in their careers. Drivers like Verstappen, who chose number 3 for its lucky association, illustrate the deep connections athletes form with their chosen digits. Bortoleto’s homage to Vettel and Gasly’s tribute to Zidane further highlight how car numbers can transcend racing history, embedding personal significance.

As the new season approaches, these changes provide an exciting glimpse into the evolving dynamics of Formula 1, where numbers tell stories as rich as the races themselves.