A new, unexpected race has broken out in Formula One – this time not for a trophy, but for the prestigious number 12. Rising stars Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan have all set their sights on the legendary number.
The number has a long and revered history in F1, dating back to the days when Ayrton Senna himself wore the iconic ’12’ on his Lotus and McLaren cars during the 1985-1988 seasons. When the Brazilian legend secured his first world championship in 1988, the number became synonymous with greatness and attracted the attention of future stars.
At present, the number 12 is held by young Mercedes talent Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who drove under it during his training debut at the Monza Grand Prix in September. An open admirer of Senna, the Italian prodigy expressed his attachment to the number: “It’s the number of one of my idols…”
But Antonelli’s claim is now being challenged by fellow youngsters Doohan and Colapinto, who each have their own personal reasons for wanting the same number.
Report: FIA debate Leclerc penalty before Brazil
Antonelli’s growing claim to number 12
Already tipped as a future Mercedes driver, Antonelli is hoping to make number 12 his permanent marker as he makes the transition to Formula One. The 18-year-old has made waves not only for his exceptional skill but also for his Senna-inspired choice, making no secret of his admiration for the Brazilian icon.
After impressing fans and the Mercedes team on his debut at Monza, he later completed his first free practice for Mercedes in Mexico, further cementing his reputation and aspirations within the sport.
“To be able to wear the same number as one of my idols is a privilege,” said Antonelli, emphasising how much the number means to him. Antonelli’s attachment to the number could give him a stronger foothold, and Mercedes’ early move to secure the number 12 could ultimately settle the dispute in his favour.
Red Bull quandary over drivers: “Bizarre how everything changed in 7 days”
The contenders for the No.12: Colapinto and Doohan
Despite Antonelli’s solid claim, two other drivers – Franco Colapinto and Jack Doohan – have thrown their hats into the ring. According to a report in the Italian sports newspaper *Gazzetta dello Sport*, both drivers are vying for the chance to wear the legendary number.
Verstappen: “I know what the options are”
Jack Doohan’s unexpected bid for number 12
Jack Doohan, announced as a future Alpine rider, took to social media after the summer break to announce his intention to adopt the number 12 for his first full season in Formula One.
“I thought about it over the summer break and then we decided,” he said confidently.
Doohan’s outspoken claim has heightened the intensity of the number dispute. Known within the paddock for his tenacity and willingness to challenge the status quo, the statement comes as no surprise.
As Doohan prepares to take up a permanent position in Formula One with Alpine, he sees the number as a fresh start. But with Antonelli’s early association with the number, Doohan may find his choice harder to secure.
Mercedes to ‘sacrifice” a Hamilton big send off
Colapinto’s pragmatic approach
Franco Colapinto, meanwhile, is taking a more pragmatic approach to securing the number. The Argentinian, currently with Williams, has experience of the number 12 during his Formula 2 days. While the 21-year-old has shown interest, he remains practical about his options, stating that he is equally fond of the number 43, which he has used extensively throughout his racing career.
“43 is also a number that I like very much. I have used it a lot in my career,” he said, hinting that his attachment to number 12 may not be as strong as that of his rivals.
Nevertheless, Colapinto’s credentials and long-standing affinity with the number 12 position him as a viable candidate, especially as his future in F1 remains uncertain. Without a confirmed seat for 2025, his focus may shift depending on which team secures him and what numbering options remain.
Deja Vu: Wolff openly attacks Verstappen
Formula 1 numbering history and why Antonelli has the edge
Number 12 hasn’t been in use for some time. Since the introduction of permanent starting numbers in 2014, the number 12 was originally assigned to Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr, who used it until 2017 when he left the sport. Following his departure, the number was left vacant.
Mercedes took proactive steps to secure the number early on, and Antonelli’s recent performances and public statements suggest that he is indeed on course to secure it for his debut season. While Doohan’s public announcement has brought new visibility to the contest, Mercedes’ established claim may already outweigh his chances.
As for Colapinto, his outspoken comments about number 43 suggest that he may be more flexible, leaving him room to either compete for the number or adopt an alternative.
Verstappen lashes out at stewards
The iconic number 12: what it means for today’s drivers
The appeal of the number 12 is no accident. In F1, certain numbers transcend their basic function and take on legendary status, especially when associated with icons such as Ayrton Senna.
Antonelli, Colapinto and Doohan all recognise this status, which adds a degree of prestige to their future ambitions. The potential for each of these drivers to begin their F1 journey with Senna’s famous number offers not only a symbolic link to the past, but a chance to create their own legacy.
Perez: “I don’t think this can carry on…”
The bigger picture: What it means for F1’s young talent
This number dispute among such promising young drivers underlines a wider trend in F1: the next generation’s eagerness to connect with the sport’s storied past. The appeal of number 12, in this case, highlights the value that today’s drivers place on F1’s history and heroes, bringing an air of nostalgia to the modern competition.
With three talented young drivers vying for the number 12 slot, Mercedes’ proactive move to reserve the number for Antonelli could ultimately prove decisive.
Doohan’s public declaration, while confident, could be overruled by Mercedes’ established position, and Colapinto’s flexibility makes him less likely to challenge it further.
Ultimately, the number Antonelli, Colapinto or Doohan end up with may not dictate their performance, but the symbolic significance speaks volumes about their respect for F1’s legendary past.
READ MORE – Colapinto set to join Red Bull
MORE F1 NEWS – Horner admits Ricciardo race seat still on
“But it was not meant to be” – Horner reflects on Ricciardo’s departure from Red Bull Racing – Five weeks ago, Daniel Ricciardo’s journey with Red Bull Racing came to an end. In a move that surprised some and was inevitable for others, Red Bull swapped Australian Daniel Ricciardo for promising newcomer from New Zealand Liam Lawson after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.
Despite Lawson’s impressive debut in Austin, Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner is still reflecting on the departure of Ricciardo – a driver whose impact on the team extended far beyond the track. Indeed, the Red Bull team boss fully admits that Ricciardo may well be needed for a race seat depending on the performances of other drivers in the family.
Horner recently shared his thoughts on Ricciardo’s departure, expressing a mixture of nostalgia, admiration and respect for the Australian’s personality, career and influence within the Red Bull team and the wider world of Formula One. His comments underline the bittersweet nature of Ricciardo’s transition, both for…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
