Photo via RaceFans

“I’ll stay with number 12” – no number one in 2027 for new champion Antonelli | Formula 1

Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Andrea Kimi Antonelli has confirmed he will retain his current racing number, 12, for the 2027 season rather than adopting the traditional number one. The Mercedes driver, who secured the title following a third-place finish in Mexico, cited a desire to remain humble and a personal history of bad luck associated with the champion's number as his primary motivations.

By keeping 12, he joins Ayrton Senna as one of the few drivers to claim a world title while using that specific digit. To honor the Brazilian legend, Antonelli plans to wear a special tribute helmet during the upcoming race in Brazil, marking 35 years since Senna's iconic home victory.

Up nextFormula 1· 2h ago

The rival Verstappen needs - our verdict on Antonelli's F1 title