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Retaining Number 12 for Next Season
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has confirmed that his intention is to retain race number 12 rather than adopting number 1 next season after clinching the championship in Mexico. A French report noted that the newly crowned Mercedes driver shares more in common with Lewis Hamilton than Lando Norris regarding car-numbering philosophy. Under sporting regulations introduced at the beginning of the 2014 season, Formula 1 drivers select a single permanent number that they carry throughout their entire career in the discipline, although the champion preserves the option to display number 1 on their vehicle. Hamilton consistently refused that choice during his title reigns, whereas Norris did not pass up that opportunity, following the example set by Max Verstappen. Now recognized as Formula 1's youngest champion, the Italian racer explained to motorsport.com that he intends to remain with 12 because it represents a deeply special designation for him.
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Tribute to Senna and Commitment to Humility
The 20-year-old Bologna native originally selected number 12 to pay homage to Ayrton Senna, who was until now the last driver to win the title with that number on his car. Beyond honoring Senna, the Mercedes driver does not want to switch, viewing that attitude as a means of staying humble and keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground. Speaking after finishing third on Sunday in Mexico, Antonelli explained that continuing with 12 provides fresh foundations to reset, rebuild everything, and keep striving to make further progress on track.
Superstition Regarding Number 1
Superstition also factored into Antonelli's stance regarding number 1. Speaking before assembled members of the press, he admitted to being very superstitious, explaining that number 1 had not brought him good fortune. He recalled that each time he utilized that number, things turned out extremely badly. That mindset prompted him not to believe that everything was decided while a possible but highly unlikely scenario still existed that could prevent him from being crowned. In that scenario, the Italian would fail to reach the finish across the final five races while Lewis Hamilton or George Russell took maximum points.
FIA Gala Presentation and Season Conclusion
With the championship battle now settled, Antonelli will receive the trophy at the Gala organized by the FΓ©dΓ©ration Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) in Shanghai on December 12. Having secured the title, the Mercedes competitor can contest the concluding four rounds of the 2026 calendar with a lighter frame of mind, beginning the upcoming weekend at Interlagos.
