Antonelli keeps No.12, leaving No.1 off F1 grid

Kimi Antonelli will keep the No.12 on his car for his Formula 1 title defence, meaning the champion’s No.1 will be absent from the grid in 2027. The 20-year-old confirmed the decision after clinching his maiden crown with third place at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

The choice is rare in modern F1, where champions usually adopt No.1. Antonelli’s decision keeps a personal identity intact and extends a symbolic link to Ayrton Senna, the last driver to win a title with No.12 in 1988. It also means the grid will be without No.1 for the first time since 2021.

The details:

• Antonelli has raced with No.12 throughout his single-seater career, except his 2024 Formula 2 campaign.
• He said No.12 is “very special” and helps him “stay grounded, to stay humble,” giving him a fresh starting point to build again.
• He also cited superstition: “Whenever I put [No.1] on, it went extremely badly.”
• He will wear a Senna tribute helmet at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

What’s next:

Antonelli’s focus shifts to the Brazilian Grand Prix and his Senna tribute before attention turns to 2027 testing and the defence of his crown. Keeping No.12 ensures the new champion starts his title reign on his own terms.