Norris to Claim Car No. 1 for 2026 After Championship Win

Lando Norris will replace Max Verstappen as the bearer of Formula 1's prestigious car No. 1 in 2026 if he secures the 2025 world championship. The McLaren driver, who has used No. 4 since his 2019 debut, confirmed he'll embrace the tradition reserved exclusively for reigning champions—a mantle Verstappen has held since 2022. Norris framed the move as a tribute to his team's effort rather than personal achievement.

Why it matters:

The decision reignites discussion about F1's car-number tradition in the modern era. While Verstappen and predecessors like Sebastian Vettel adopted No. 1 immediately after titles, Hamilton's refusal to swap his iconic No. 44 created a cultural shift. Norris' choice signals a return to convention while highlighting evolving team-first mentalities in driver branding.

The details:

• Norris emphasized the psychological impact of the number: "It's not for me—it's for my mechanics, engineers, everyone at McLaren. They get to wear that 'we're number one' pride. 'We are number four' doesn't have the same ring."
• Historical context: Only six drivers have used No. 1 since F1 introduced permanent numbers in 2014, with Hamilton being the sole champion to reject it after his five Mercedes titles.
• Team identity: McLaren's last use of No. 1 dates to Lewis Hamilton's 2008 championship season—a symbolic full-circle moment should Norris win.
• Verstappen will revert to his career-long No. 33 if dethroned, having used No. 1 since his first title in 2022.

What's next:

Norris' hypothetical switch underscores the high stakes of the 2025 championship battle. Should he win:

• McLaren's 2026 livery will feature the historic number for the first time in 17 years, potentially boosting team morale during its title defense.
• The move could pressure other champions—like a future Verstappen or Leclerc—to reconsider Hamilton's precedent of prioritizing personal branding over tradition.
• F1's marketing may leverage the visual symbolism of No. 1 changing hands, especially if it ends Red Bull's recent dominance.

The Briton's focus on collective recognition reflects a broader shift in driver mentality. Where Hamilton's No. 44 became synonymous with individual legacy, Norris positions No. 1 as a shared trophy—suggesting championship culture is evolving from star-driven narratives to team-centric storytelling. As the grid prepares for 2026's new regulations, this subtle tradition could become an unexpected barometer of F1's changing values.