Kimi Antonelli says he will continue to race with number 12 when he defends his Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship in 2027. Securing the 2026 title in Mexico gives the Mercedes driver the option of using number 1, but he intends to keep the number with which he became champion.
In his post-race comments published by Formula1.com, Antonelli described 12 as a very special number. Keeping it is also a way to stay grounded and humble, treating the new season as another starting point from which to build and improve.
A champion’s choice, rather than an obligation
Since 2014, F1 drivers have been able to choose personal racing numbers, with number 1 reserved for the reigning World Champion. A champion may take it or retain his existing number; winning the title does not require a change.
Recent champions have taken different approaches. Lewis Hamilton retained 44 throughout his six Mercedes titles, while Max Verstappen and this season’s Lando Norris adopted 1 after winning their championships. Antonelli prefers continuity with 12, also the number carried by his idol Ayrton Senna’s McLaren during the Brazilian’s first title in 1988.
Antonelli also admitted to being very superstitious, saying his previous experiences with number 1 had gone badly. That provided another reason to retain 12, a choice he reaffirmed at the end of his answer. His public intention for next season places the emphasis on continuing to improve even after becoming champion.
