Lando Norris has revealed his plan to use the number one on his McLaren car in the upcoming season after winning the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship ahead of Max Verstappen. His podium finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix secured him the title by a two-point margin over the Red Bull driver.
Norris, who previously identified with the number four, will switch to the number one for the 2026 season, following in Verstappen’s footsteps. In an interview with Sky Sports News, he emphasized the tradition and significance of the number, highlighting that it symbolizes hard work and achievement for the entire McLaren team, not just himself.
Verstappen, who previously raced with the number 33, may consider reverting to that number or opting for the number three, previously associated with Daniel Ricciardo. However, FIA regulations mandate a two-year absence from F1 before a driver can reuse a specific number.
While many champions embrace the number one, some, like Lewis Hamilton, prefer to stick with their iconic numbers. Hamilton, despite his seven titles, has always raced with the number 44, which has become a part of his personal brand.
Norris’ championship win not only ended Verstappen’s long reign as F1’s top driver but also marked the conclusion of a period where every world champion drove for either Red Bull or Mercedes. Before Norris, Jenson Button was the last non-Red Bull or Mercedes driver to win the championship in 2009 with Brawn GP.
Having been associated with McLaren throughout his F1 career, Norris expressed his desire to achieve the championship with the team from the start. He is the only F1 driver to win their first championship after completing over 150 races with the same team.
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