Verstappen will be driving with the number 1 in 2022
The new Formula 1 world champion has chosen to drive with the number 1 on his car next season.
Max Verstappen became world champion on the evening of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As per the regulations, he has the choice between two numbers for the next season: either he keeps the one he usually races with (number 33), or he chooses to race with the one awarded to the reigning world champion (number 1). The Dutchman has decided to opt for the second option: “How many times can you do it?” I don’t know, maybe it’s the only time I’ll be able to have it in my life, it’s the best number. I will put it on my car,” he declared the day after his victory.
Since 2014, drivers have to choose a permanent number for their entire F1 career. Sebastian Vettel is the last driver to have raced with the number 1. It was in 2014, precisely with Red Bull, before Mercedes’ reign began. Titled in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, Lewis Hamilton has always wanted to keep his number 44 in the seasons following his championships. However, he made an exception to his principle by driving with the number 1 during a test session in Abu Dhabi in 2018 to please his team. The 2016 champion Nico Rosberg did not have the opportunity to make his choice as he decided to retire from racing just after winning the title.
So we will have the opportunity to see the 34th Formula 1 world champion in history donning his brand new number next season, with the first Grand Prix taking place in Bahrain on March 20, 2022.
