Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli has explained why he is choosing not to run with the title winner's #1 on his car next season.
๐ The Core Development
The Italian made history at the Mexican Grand Prix as he became the youngest driver to ever win the crown at the age of 20.
That feat gives him the opportunity if he chooses to run with the #1 on his car next season, as 2025 champion Lando Norris has done this season.
๐ Background & Sector Context
However, Antonelli has said that he will stick with his current #12 - as that number has personal significance for him, plus he has not had the best of luck in the past when he has run with #1.
Antonelli chose #12 as his F1 race number to honour his hero Ayrton Senna, who raced with it during his Lotus years from 1985-87 as well as in his first title-winning campaign with McLaren in 1988.
๐ Industry & Real-World Impact
Asked whether he would take up the option of running #1, Antonelli said: "I'll stay with #12 because, obviously, it's a very special number for me, but also it's a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble.
Benchmark Telemetry & EV Fuel Savings
Put top supercars and EVs to the test in The Pit Stop Lab โ launch head-to-head 1/4-mile drag strip battles & compute EPA electric fuel cost savings.
โก Prefer Visual Stories on Mobile?
Experience this news piece in an interactive 5-slide visual format crafted for mobile devices & Google Discover.
๐ฎ Strategic Outlook & What Lies Ahead
"I feel like by keeping #12 it allows me to have a new point where to start and build on everything again and try to improve.
"And also, to be honest, I'm very superstitious, and number one has never been a good number for me. Whenever I put it, it went extremely badly. So one more reason to stay with #12."
