F1 drivers’ numbers often carry personal stories and reasons.
- Max Verstappen chooses number 1 as reigning champion.
- Drivers can’t change their numbers once chosen, with some reserving numbers for sentimental reasons.
- Unavailable numbers include those used by popular past champions.
- From marketing to memories, each number is a unique choice for every driver.
In the world of Formula 1, car numbers are more than just identifiers. They hold personal significance for many drivers. For the reigning champion, Max Verstappen, using the number 1 is a privilege he exercises in 2025. When not holding the title, he prefers 33, reminiscing about his childhood days racing with the same number on a toy car. His attachment is evident in a photo he posted, capturing his youthful racing days.
The rules surrounding these numbers changed in 2014 when the FIA allowed drivers to select their personal numbers between 2 and 99. The only exception remains the number 1, exclusively for the world champion. Once a number is chosen, a driver must stick with it throughout their career, which is why some pick based on personal history or potential branding opportunities.
Lando Norris, for instance, went with the number 4, utilizing it to enhance his personal branding, when his preferred options were unavailable. It aligns perfectly with his logo, adding a touch of marketing strategy to his sporting career. Similarly, Gabriel Bortoleto’s choice of number 5 resonates with his previous success, as he won the 2022 Formula 3 title under that number.
Isack Hadjar, running with the number 6 in 2025, carried this number from his karting days, symbolizing personal continuity. Pierre Gasly took number 10, inspired by his admiration for football icon Zinedine Zidane. Meanwhile, Kimi Antonelli selected number 12 in homage to Ayrton Senna, his idol, creating a connection to past racing legends.
Drivers, like Fernando Alonso, often choose numbers due to significant career moments. His choice of 14 is tied to a personal milestone: winning a world championship at 14 years old on the 14th of July. Such decisions highlight the emotional connections and memories embedded within these number selections.
Charles Leclerc had to go with his third choice, number 16, a simple yet clever reasoning of 1 plus 6 equating to 7, the number he originally desired. Similarly, Yuki Tsunoda, preferring 11, opted for 22 as a neat double, thanks to the unavailability of his first choice due to Sergio Perez.
For some, superstition plays a role. Lance Stroll is slightly superstitious about number 18, linking it to his past victories in junior racing categories. Alex Albon, a Valentino Rossi fan, avoided using Rossi’s number 46 but embraced a part of it instead, while still paying homage to the MotoGP legend’s influence.
Numbers tied to family heritage include George Russell’s 63, inspired by his brother’s karting career, and Oliver Bearman’s 87, a sentimental pick due to his family’s birthdays. Oscar Piastri sticks with 81, a decision born out of practicality and historical use during karting competitions.
In F1, every number tells a story. Whether reminiscing about early karting days, marketing opportunities, or personal superstitions, these numbers encapsulate the unique journey of each driver, making them much more than mere digits on a car.
F1 driver numbers in 2025 reveal the unique blend of personal history, career achievements, and fond memories for each driver.
