Kimi Antonelli Rejects F1’s No.1 Tradition! Why the New World Champion Will Keep Number 12 in 2027
Kimi Antonelli will continue racing with the number 12 in the 2027 Formula 1 season, despite winning the 2026 drivers’ world championship. The Mercedes driver has decided against adopting the traditional No.1, which is available to the reigning world champion.
Antonelli secured the title after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix on November 1, becoming the youngest-ever Formula 1 world champion at the age of 20. However, rather than change his racing number to reflect his new status, the Italian has chosen to stick with the number that has accompanied him through much of his racing career.
Why Kimi Antonelli Has Chosen Number 12 Over Number 1
For Antonelli, number 12 carries personal significance. It is a number he has used for much of his single-seater career and one that also connects him with his racing idol, Ayrton Senna.
Senna raced with number 12 during his time at Lotus and McLaren, including the 1988 season when he won his first Formula 1 world championship.
Antonelli has explained that keeping the number helps him remain grounded and humble. He also believes retaining it will allow him to approach the new season with a fresh mindset and continue working to improve.
Superstition Behind Antonelli’s Decision
The young champion’s decision is also influenced by superstition. Antonelli has admitted that whenever he has used number 1, things have not gone particularly well for him.
Rather than take a chance with a different number, he prefers to stay with the familiar No.12. His choice reflects his personal connection to the number and his desire to maintain the mindset that helped him reach the top of Formula 1.
From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen: The No.1 Tradition
Formula 1 has allowed the reigning world champion to choose number 1 since the 2014 season. However, not every champion has decided to use it.
Lewis Hamilton continued racing with his familiar number 44 during his championship-winning years. Max Verstappen, on the other hand, adopted number 1 after winning his first world title in 2021.
Lando Norris also used the champion’s number after securing the 2025 drivers’ championship. Antonelli’s decision means he will take a different route, retaining the number that has become part of his identity.
A Special Connection With Ayrton Senna
Antonelli’s choice of number 12 also strengthens the connection between the young Italian and Ayrton Senna. By retaining the number, he will become the first driver since Senna in 1988 to win the Formula 1 world championship while racing with No.12.
The Mercedes driver is also planning a special tribute to Senna at the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix. He is set to use a tribute helmet in honour of the legendary Brazilian, whose achievements continue to inspire him.
With his first world championship secured, Antonelli will enter the 2027 season as the reigning champion. But instead of carrying the traditional No.1, he will continue with number 12 — a choice that reflects his personality, inspiration and approach to racing.
