Antonelli Chooses to Keep Number 12 After Maiden F1 Title

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has decided to keep the number 12 on his car next season, becoming the first reigning world champion since 2021 not to use the number 1. The newly crowned champion, who replaced Sebastian Vettel as the youngest world champion in F1 history, explained after the Mexico City Grand Prix that number 12 holds special meaning.

Why it matters:

Antonelli's choice breaks a recent trend where champions like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris immediately switched to number 1. It highlights a different mindset from the 19-year-old, who values humility and superstition over the traditional privilege of the champion's number.

The details:

• Tribute to Senna: Antonelli's number 12 is a tribute to his idol Ayrton Senna and was the first number he used in single-seaters in Formula 4. He is also the first driver since Senna in 1988 to win the F1 title with number 12.
• Superstition: Antonelli admitted he is "very superstitious" and that number 1 has never brought him good luck. "Whenever I put it on, it went extremely badly," he laughed.
• Staying grounded: Keeping the number is a way for him to "stay humble" and have a fresh starting point to build on. He credited his family and Mercedes team for his success rather than himself.

What's next:

Antonelli will celebrate his title primarily after the upcoming triple-header, which concludes with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. He plans to enjoy the moment at home in Brazil before heading to Las Vegas. Despite the celebrations, he remains focused on continuous improvement, embodying the modesty that has defined his breakout season.