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Retaining Number 12 After Championship Triumph
Kimi Antonelli will not carry the number one on his car next year, opting instead to retain his racing number 12 out of superstition and humility. The 20-year-old Italian driver secured the title on Sunday in Mexico City, becoming the youngest champion in Formula One history. Competing for Mercedes, Antonelli clinched the crown carrying racing number 12 on his car and will keep that number when he starts his reign.
Humility and Superstition Behind Antonelli's Decision
Explaining his choice, Antonelli described 12 as a very special number that helps him stay grounded and humble. His title triumph made him the first Italian champion in 73 years. The newly crowned driver explained that continuing with number 12 provides a fresh starting point from which to rebuild and seek further improvement. He also acknowledged strong personal superstition, emphasizing that the number one has never brought him good fortune. According to Antonelli, past experiences carrying number one went extremely badly, providing further reason to remain with 12.
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Echoes of Ayrton Senna's 1988 Achievement
Antonelli's achievement marks the first time an F1 driver has won a championship using number 12 since the late Brazilian triple champion Ayrton Senna claimed his first for McLaren in 1988. Senna, who died while racing for Williams at Italy's Imola circuit in 1994, is an idol for Antonelli, who comes from nearby Bologna. Antonelli also revealed that he will wear a special tribute helmet honoring Senna during next weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo.
Toto Wolff on Evolving Driver Standards
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff praised Antonelli's humility, stating that it makes him a new kind of driver that other youngsters should emulate. The Austrian argued that the traditional win-at-all-costs model—characterized by selfishness, opportunism, and ruthlessness for personal benefit—has died. Instead, Wolff emphasized that the new champion represents core values including humility, integrity, loyalty, respect, and self-belief.
Setting Expectations for Current and Future Racers
Wolff urged competitors in junior formulas as well as entitled figures in Formula One—specifically citing continuous moaners on team radio, those who complain, and those who crash—to look at the 20-year-old and reflect on how they can improve. According to the team boss, that standard reflects how he, the governing FIA, and Formula One wish to see racing drivers in the future. Wolff added that Antonelli represents the modern Formula One driver through these values alongside talent, proving that a competitor can defeat everyone on track while remaining a good person.
