F1 Driver Numbers: The Stories Behind Their Permanent Choices for 2025

F1 Driver Numbers: More Than Just Identification

F1 driver numbers, chosen permanently since 2014, carry significant personal meaning, reflecting drivers' history, idols, and identity.

Why it matters: These numbers offer a unique glimpse into the personal stories and connections of the drivers, becoming a fixed part of their racing identity throughout their Formula 1 careers.

The rules:

• Drivers select a permanent number between 2 and 99. The number 1 is reserved for the reigning World Champion, who may choose to use it (Max Verstappen currently does).
• Once chosen, a number cannot be changed.
• A number becomes available again after two full seasons out of use.
• The number 17 is permanently retired in honor of Jules Bianchi.

The stories behind the 2025 F1 driver numbers:

• 1 Max Verstappen: Uses 1 as champion. Previously 33 (childhood number).
• 4 Lando Norris: Chose 4 for marketing/logo fit, as first choices were taken.
• 5 Gabriel Bortoleto: Used 5 to win the 2022 F3 title, derived from karting #85.
• 6 Isack Hadjar: Used 6 in karting.
• 7 Jack Doohan: Used 7 in junior series, inspired by idol Kimi Raikkonen.
• 10 Pierre Gasly: Used 10 successfully in Formula Renault. Fan of Zinedine Zidane (#10).
• 12 Andrea Kimi Antonelli: Used 12 in F4 and FRECA title wins, related to idol Ayrton Senna (#12).
• 14 Fernando Alonso: Won karting world championship at 14, on July 14th, with kart #14.
• 16 Charles Leclerc: Chose 16 because 1+6=7 (his desired number).
• 18 Lance Stroll: Used 18 for F3 and F4 title wins. Slightly superstitious.
• 22 Yuki Tsunoda: First choice (11) taken, doubled it to 22 (Jenson Button's former number).
• 23 Alex Albon: Valentino Rossi fan (used 46 in karting), chose 23 (half of 46).
• 27 Nico Hulkenberg: Reportedly based on his birthday (August 19th: 19+8=27).
• 30 Liam Lawson: Used 30 in karting as tribute to a mentor.
• 31 Esteban Ocon: Used 31 during a successful karting year (2007).
• 44 Lewis Hamilton: Used 44 since early karting, also his dad's car number plate.
• 55 Carlos Sainz: Favorite 5 taken, chose 55 for marketing ('S' looks like '5').
• 63 George Russell: Family number; older brother used 63 in karting.
• 81 Oscar Piastri: Used 81 since early karting days (after first choice 11 taken).
• 87 Oliver Bearman: Family number; dad raced with it, based on birth dates.

The big picture: Each F1 driver number tells a unique and personal story, connecting them to their past, idols, or family, making them more than just identifiers on the track.