Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli is expected to become Formula 1’s youngest-ever world champion, but the Italian has indicated that he intends to turn down one of the sport’s most recognisable privileges. Rather than switching to the number 1 for the following season, Antonelli wants to retain his familiar number 12 in tribute to his childhood idol, Ayrton Senna.
Antonelli is approaching a potentially historic moment in his career, with the Mercedes star needing only a ninth-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix to secure the championship, according to the scenario outlined ahead of the race. If he completes the job, the 20-year-old would become the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history.
However, even if he claims the title, Antonelli appears to have little intention of changing the number displayed on his car.
Antonelli wants to keep number 12 after winning the title
Winning the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship gives a driver the option of using number 1 on their car the following season. Since permanent driver numbers were introduced in 2014, competitors have generally retained their chosen numbers throughout their careers, while the reigning world champion has been allowed to replace theirs with the coveted number 1.
Antonelli, however, has suggested that he will stick with his existing number regardless of the outcome in Mexico.
“I have to do my job in Mexico first. But I think once I’ve finished, I’ll continue to race with the number 12,” he said in an interview.
The Italian’s comments suggest that he would prefer to preserve a personal connection over adopting the traditional symbol of the reigning champion.
Ayrton Senna is the inspiration behind Antonelli’s choice
Number 12 has particular significance for Antonelli because it was once used by his hero, Ayrton Senna. The Brazilian legend raced with the number during the early years of his Formula 1 career, including from 1985 to 1988.
Senna remains one of the sport’s most influential figures, having won three world championships and established a lasting legacy through his performances with Lotus and McLaren.
For Antonelli, retaining number 12 would therefore be more than a matter of personal preference. It would allow the Mercedes driver to continue paying tribute to the man who inspired him to pursue a career in motorsport.
The number 1 may be the most visible symbol of championship success, but Antonelli appears content to keep the number that carries the greatest personal meaning.
Hamilton and Rosberg show that number 1 is not compulsory
Antonelli would not be the first world champion to turn down the opportunity to use number 1.
Lewis Hamilton continued racing with his chosen number 44 throughout his championship-winning years with Mercedes, preferring to retain the number that had become closely associated with his identity in Formula 1.
There have also been seasons when the number 1 was absent from the grid altogether. Following Nico Rosberg’s surprise retirement immediately after winning the 2016 world championship, no driver used the number during the 2017 season.
Sebastian Vettel was the first reigning champion to use number 1 under the permanent-number system introduced in 2014, while Max Verstappen has also made the number a familiar sight during his championship-winning campaigns. Lando Norris subsequently used it after securing the 2025 title.
If Antonelli wins the championship and follows through on his stated preference, the number 12 could remain on the Mercedes car even as its driver becomes the sport’s youngest world champion.
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The Judge, a nom de plume of an experienced F1 journalist and site founder with long-standing sources across the paddock. 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.
