Kimi Antonelli Rejects Number 1, Keeps Number 12 for 2027

Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli has confirmed that he will retain his familiar number 12 on his car rather than switch to the number one for the 2027 season. The Italian driver wants to keep the number that has accompanied him throughout his career, explaining that it helps him “stay humble” and maintain his focus on improving.

Antonelli made history by becoming Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion after securing his maiden title at the Mexico City Grand Prix. Although reigning champions are allowed to replace their permanent racing numbers with number one, the Mercedes driver has decided against taking that option.

For Antonelli, the decision is about more than personal preference. Number 12 carries a special meaning, connecting him to his childhood admiration for Brazilian racing legend Ayrton Senna. The number also represents a fresh start as he prepares to defend his championship.

Kimi Antonelli explains why he will keep number 12 in 2027

Following his historic championship victory, Antonelli made it clear that he does not intend to use number one on his car next season. Instead, he will continue racing with number 12, the number he selected at the beginning of his Formula 1 career.

“I’m going to keep using the number 12,” Antonelli said after his championship win.

The young champion described the number as particularly meaningful and said retaining it would help him remain grounded despite reaching the highest level of the sport.

“It’s a very special number for me and one of the ways I have of keeping my feet on the ground and staying humble. Keeping the 12 allows me to start anew and keep improving.”

Antonelli’s comments suggest that he wants to approach his next season with the same mindset that helped him reach the top. Rather than making a visual change to celebrate his status as world champion, he prefers to keep the identity he has built around number 12.

Antonelli jokes that number one has never brought him luck

Alongside his personal attachment to number 12, Antonelli revealed another reason for avoiding the number one. The Italian admitted that he is superstitious and joked that previous experiences with the number during his junior racing career had not gone well.

“I’m a very superstitious person, and the number one never brought me luck. Every time I used it, things went extremely badly for me. So that’s another reason to keep the number 12.”

His decision means Antonelli will not follow the traditional option available to a reigning Formula 1 champion. Under the current number system, drivers choose a permanent racing number for their careers, but the defending world champion can opt to use number one for the following season.

Taking number one is optional, meaning a driver can retain their established number even after winning the title. Antonelli has chosen to do exactly that as he prepares for his first campaign as the reigning world champion.

Which F1 world champions have used number one?

Only a handful of drivers have opted to run number one under Formula 1’s current permanent-number system. Sebastian Vettel used it in 2014 after winning the championship, while Max Verstappen ran the number from 2022 through 2025.

Lando Norris also chose number one for the current season, continuing the tradition of a reigning champion displaying the title-winning number on their car.

Other champions have preferred to retain their familiar racing numbers. Lewis Hamilton continued using number 44 throughout his championship-winning years between 2015 and 2022 rather than switching to number one.

Nico Rosberg took a different route after winning the 2016 world championship, announcing his retirement immediately after securing the title. As a result, he did not return to defend his championship in the following season.

Antonelli’s decision adds another example of a champion choosing personal identity over the number-one option. His number 12 will remain on the car as he begins the next chapter of his Formula 1 career.

Why Kimi Antonelli chose Ayrton Senna’s number 12

Antonelli has previously explained that his choice of number 12 was inspired by Ayrton Senna, one of the most influential drivers in Formula 1 history. The Italian developed a strong admiration for the Brazilian legend as a child while watching recordings of historic races.

In an interview with ESPN in 2025, Antonelli recalled asking his father to bring home tapes of old Formula 1 races so he could study the sport and learn more about its drivers. Those recordings helped him become fascinated by Senna and his achievements.

Senna used number 12 during his time with Lotus from 1985 to 1987 and continued with the same number during McLaren’s dominant 1988 season, when he won his first Formula 1 world championship.

Antonelli eventually selected the number as a tribute to the Brazilian great. His connection to Senna goes beyond the number on his car, with the young driver openly expressing his admiration for the three-time world champion.

Before the 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Antonelli also visited Senna’s gravesite in Brazil, further demonstrating the personal importance of the racing legend to him.

Antonelli planned a special helmet tribute to Senna in Brazil

Antonelli has also paid tribute to Senna through special helmet designs. Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix, he revealed plans to wear a helmet dedicated to the legendary driver, describing the occasion as particularly meaningful.

“I will have a special helmet for Brazil, for Ayrton,” he added.

The tribute was also connected to the anniversary of one of Senna’s memorable performances at his home race. Antonelli referred to the Brazilian driver’s victory despite having his car stuck in sixth gear, describing the moment as an important part of the inspiration behind the helmet.

“Also because it’s going to be 35 years since he won [with his car stuck] in sixth gear, his home race. So, yeah, it’s going to be a tribute helmet for Brazil, for Ayrton, and I think it’s one of my best helmets that I’ve made.”

The Italian also spoke about the support he has received from Brazilian fans, saying their encouragement had been remarkable both during the current season and the previous year.

“So hopefully you guys, everyone, hopefully you will like it. But, yeah, it’s going to be a very special weekend. I’m very much looking forward to it because the support from Brazil in general has been incredible, not only this year but already from last year.”

Antonelli prepares for life as Formula 1 world champion

Becoming Formula 1’s youngest world champion has placed Antonelli among the sport’s most closely watched drivers. His decision to retain number 12 shows that he intends to approach the next season with a focus on consistency, development and the values that have shaped his career.

While number one is traditionally associated with the reigning champion, Antonelli believes his existing number carries a deeper personal significance. It reflects his admiration for Senna, his own journey through motorsport and his desire to keep improving rather than become distracted by the status of being world champion.

As he prepares to defend his maiden title in 2027, fans will continue to see the number 12 on his car. For Antonelli, keeping the number is a reminder of where his journey began and the mindset he wants to carry into the next chapter of his Formula 1 career.