Formula 1 Driver Numbers Explained

Formula 1 is a sport steeped in history, drama, and fascinating details that captivate fans worldwide. One intriguing aspect of modern F1 is the driver number system, which allows each driver to choose a unique number to carry throughout their career. These numbers become synonymous with the drivers, adorning their cars, helmets, and merchandise. But have you ever wondered why some numbers are more popular than others, or why certain numbers are absent altogether?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the current Formula 1 driver numbers for the 2024 season, exploring the stories and quirks behind each driver’s chosen digit. From the reigning champion’s coveted number 1 to the conspicuously absent number 13, and the permanently retired number 17, we’ll delve into the reasons behind these numerical choices and their significance within the world of F1.

Formula 1 Driver Numbers 2024

The current Formula 1 driver numbers for the 2024 season are:

1. Max Verstappen – 1
2. Sergio Perez – 11
3. Lewis Hamilton – 44
4. George Russell – 63
5. Charles Leclerc – 16
6. Carlos Sainz – 55
7. Lando Norris – 4
8. Oscar Piastri – 81
9. Fernando Alonso – 14
10. Lance Stroll – 18
11. Esteban Ocon – 31
12. Pierre Gasly – 10
13. Valtteri Bottas – 77
14. Zhou Guanyu – 24
15. Yuki Tsunoda – 22
16. Daniel Ricciardo – 3
17. Kevin Magnussen – 20
18. Nico Hulkenberg – 27
19. Alexander Albon – 23
20. Franco Colapinto – 43

Note that the defending World Champion has the option to use number 1, which is why Max Verstappen is listed with that number for 2024. The number 17 is permanently retired in honor of the late Jules Bianchi.

Max Verstappen – As the reigning World Champion, Max Verstappen has the option to use the number 1, which he has chosen for the 2024 season. This number is reserved for the defending champion and is a prestigious honor in the world of F1.

Sergio Perez – Perez chose the number 11 as it was his car number during his karting days when he won his first championship. He considers it his lucky number and has used it throughout his career.

Lewis Hamilton – Hamilton’s choice of 44 stems from his karting days when he won his first British championship at the age of 10. He has used the number throughout his career, and it has become synonymous with his brand and success.

George Russell – Russell chose 63 as it was his brother’s number in karting. He also likes the fact that 6 and 3 are his two favorite numbers, making it a perfect combination for him.

Charles Leclerc – Leclerc’s choice of 16 is a tribute to his late father’s birthday, which falls on the 16th of October. It’s a number that holds deep personal significance for him.

Carlos Sainz – Sainz chose 55 as it was the number he used during his karting days when he won his first Spanish championship. He considers it his lucky number and has used it throughout his career.

Lando Norris – Norris chose the number 4 as it was his number during his first year in karting. He also likes the way it looks aesthetically and feels it suits his personality.

Oscar Piastri – Piastri chose 81 as it is the year his manager, Mark Webber, was born. Webber has been a significant influence on Piastri’s career, and this is a way for him to pay tribute to his mentor.

Fernando Alonso – Alonso’s choice of 14 is a combination of his two favorite numbers, 7 and 4. He also likes the fact that it represents a ‘double lucky 7’, as 14 is twice 7.

Lance Stroll – Stroll chose 18 as it is the number of his birthday, 29th October (2+9=11, 1+1=2, 1+8=9, 9-2=7, 7+11=18). He likes the way the number looks and feels it brings him luck.

Esteban Ocon – Ocon chose 31 as it is the reverse of his lucky number, 13. He feels that 31 brings him good fortune and has used it throughout his career.

Pierre Gasly – Gasly’s choice of 10 is a tribute to his favorite footballer, Zinedine Zidane, who wore the number 10 shirt for the French national team.

Valtteri Bottas – Bottas chose 77 as it is a number that has brought him luck throughout his career. He also likes the way it looks and feels it suits his personality.

Zhou Guanyu – Zhou chose 24 as a tribute to his sporting here, NBA icon Kobe Bryant.

Yuki Tsunoda – Tsunoda chose 22 as it was his car number during his successful 2020 Formula 2 campaign. He also likes the fact that it’s a palindrome and easy to remember.

Daniel Ricciardo – Ricciardo chose the number 3 for both personal and historical reasons. Firstly because it was the first number he ever raced with in karting and it holds a special place in his heart. Additionally, the number 3 has a rich history in Formula 1, having been used by legendary drivers such as Ayrton Senna and Nigel Mansell.

Kevin Magnussen – Magnussen’s choice of 20 is a combination of his two favorite numbers, 2 and 10. He also likes the fact that it’s a round number and easy to remember.

Nico Hulkenberg – Hulkenberg chose 27 as it is his wife’s lucky number. He feels that it brings him good fortune and has used it throughout his career.

Alexander Albon – Albon chose 23 as it was his number during his successful karting days. He also likes the fact that it’s a prime number and feels it suits his personality.

Franco Colapinto – Colapinto chose the number 43 as it holds special significance for him. In an interview, Colapinto revealed that he chose this number because it was the number he used when he won his first single-seater championship in the Spanish F4 series. The number 43 reminds him of that triumphant moment in his career and serves as a motivation to strive for success in Formula 1.

These driver numbers not only serve as unique identifiers for each driver but also hold personal significance, lucky charms, and tributes to important people or moments in their lives. As fans, knowing the stories behind these numbers helps us connect with the drivers on a more personal level and appreciate the individuality they bring to the sport.

Is the number 13 banned in F1?

The number 13 is not banned in Formula 1 racing. In fact, some drivers have raced with the number 13 in F1 history, such as Pastor Maldonado and Moises Solana. However, many drivers consider 13 to be an unlucky number and choose to avoid it.

Ultimately, the decision to use or not use the number 13 comes down to each individual driver’s preference and superstition. There is no official rule or regulation in F1 that prohibits the use of the number 13.

Can you pick 69 in F1?

Yes, drivers can choose the number 69 in Formula 1. While drivers are allowed to choose any number between 2 and 99, excluding 17, no F1 driver has ever actually selected 69. This is likely due to the sexual implications associated with the number.

Interestingly, the number 69 has been used in some lower-level racing series. For example, several drivers have raced with 69 in the Indianapolis 500 over the years, including Jimmy Daywalt in 1958 and Chuck Hulse in 1960. However, in the top-tier Formula 1 World Championship, drivers have consistently avoided picking 69, presumably to maintain a more professional image and avoid any crude humour or innuendo surrounding their car number.

What number is banned in F1?

The number 17 is the only number that is officially retired and unavailable for use by Formula 1 drivers. This is done as a mark of respect for the late French driver Jules Bianchi, who suffered fatal injuries in a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix while driving a car with the number 17.

Bianchi had chosen the number 17 after Formula 1 introduced a new rule in 2014 allowing drivers to pick their own permanent race numbers. Following his tragic accident and passing in July 2015, the number 17 was retired from use in Formula 1 as a tribute to Bianchi’s memory.

No other numbers are currently banned or retired in Formula 1, although some numbers like 13 are occasionally avoided by drivers due to superstition. Ultimately, the number 17 remains the sole exception – a poignant reminder of the dangers inherent in motorsport and the bravery of drivers like Jules Bianchi.