Norris Adopts No. 1 to Honor McLaren Team After Championship Win

Lando Norris will replace his longtime No. 4 with the champion's No. 1 for the 2026 season, honoring F1's tradition after dethroning Max Verstappen in last Sunday's Abu Dhabi title decider. The McLaren driver framed the change not as personal triumph but as recognition for the entire team that propelled him to victory over Verstappen and Oscar Piastri.

Why it matters:

Norris' choice breaks from Lewis Hamilton's practice of retaining No. 44 throughout his championship years, reinforcing the symbolic weight of F1's titleholder numbering system. His emphasis on collective achievement highlights how driver decisions increasingly reflect team culture in an era where constructors' championships carry equal prestige to individual glory.

The Details:

• While champions aren't required to adopt No. 1 - Hamilton kept his signature number through seven titles - Norris called the switch "tradition" and "there for a reason" in his Sky F1 interview.
• The 26-year-old specifically tied the number change to McLaren's resurgence: "It's not for me, it's for them as well. It's their pride."
• Team Recognition: Norris stressed that mechanics, engineers, and all McLaren staff involved in his car "get to wear that with pride" as world champions.
  • "They'll be even happier than I am," he said, noting the psychological impact of replacing No. 4 with the undisputed top numeral.
• Cultural Shift: His comments reflect F1's evolving narrative where drivers publicly credit team contributions more explicitly, contrasting with earlier eras' star-centric storytelling.
• Technical Context: The change coincides with McLaren's Project 678 chassis development, where No. 1 will appear on a car designed to defend both drivers' and constructors' titles under new 2026 regulations.

What's next:

Norris' adoption of No. 1 sets up a compelling narrative for 2026 as he aims to become the first back-to-back champion since Verstappen.

• The number switch creates immediate visual symbolism for McLaren's title defense campaign, with team personnel wearing No. 1 on overalls and equipment.
• If McLaren maintains its current trajectory, the No. 1 car could become a fixture through multiple seasons - a scenario that would mirror Mercedes' dominant 2014-2020 era when Hamilton's No. 44 became synonymous with sustained excellence.
• Verstappen's potential reaction to seeing No. 1 on a rival car adds psychological dimension to next year's championship battle, particularly if Red Bull struggles with the new power unit regulations.