Discover the Unique Meanings and Inspirations Driving Drivers’ Number Selections in F1
Formula 1 drivers embrace fixed race numbers, each chosen for its personal significance. Here’s a peek into the numbers they’ve picked for the 2024 season and the tales behind their choices.
Numbers for 2024:
Max Verstappen – #1
The reigning champ, Verstappen, decided to retain #1, stating, “How often do you get the chance to drive with starting number 1 in your Formula 1 career?”
Logan Sargeant – #2
Sargeant took #2, reminiscing about a successful Formula Renault season, deciding on a winning number from the past.
Daniel Ricciardo – #3
Ricciardo’s choice, #3, pays tribute to NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, a figure he’s admired since childhood.
Lando Norris – #4
Norris chose #4, linked to his social media hashtag #L4ndo, avoiding mimicking MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi’s #46.
Pierre Gasly – #10
Gasly’s #10 originates from his Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup triumph and admiration for footballer Zinedine Zidane.
Sergio Perez – #11
Perez adopted #11 from footballer Ivan Zamorano’s Club America days, mirroring his email address and loyalty.
Fernando Alonso – #14
At 14, Alonso clinched a karting championship, cementing #14 as his number of choice.
Charles Leclerc – #16
Leclerc’s birthdate, October 16th, led him to #16 after his initial preference of #7 was taken.
Lance Stroll – #18
Stroll’s Italian Formula 4 Championship win with #18 marked its significance on his journey to F1.
Kevin Magnussen – #20
Magnussen’s association with #20 stems from his 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 Series title victory.
Yuki Tsunoda – #22
Tsunoda’s #22 mirrors his karting start number, doubling his preferred choice of #11.
Alexander Albon – #23
Albon, a fan of sporting icons linked to #23, including LeBron James and Michael Jordan, opted for this number.
Zhou Guanyu – #24
Guanyu honors basketball legend Kobe Bryant with #24, reflecting his admiration for the late icon.
Nico Hulkenberg – #27
Hulkenberg’s #27 relates to his birthday (August 19th), a number adorned by several F1 greats.
Esteban Ocon – #31
Ocon’s winning karting title in 2007 with #31 holds sentimental value, marking one of his career’s highlights.
Lewis Hamilton – #44
Hamilton’s #44 originates from the number on his father’s car plate during his debut kart race.
Carlos Sainz Jr – #55
Sainz’s inventive association of the ‘S’ in his names with the number 5 leads to his choice of #55.
George Russell – #63
Russell’s family connection to #63 through his brother’s karting choice resonates deeply with him.
Valtteri Bottas – #77
Bottas, aiming for the lucky number seven, settled on #77 after #7 was unavailable.
Oscar Piastri – #81
Piastri, occasionally using #81 in his junior career, retained it as his permanent number in F1.
Unavailable Numbers:
17 – Retired in tribute to Jules Bianchi after his tragic accident in 2014.
5 (Sebastian Vettel), 6 (Nicholas Latifi), 47 (Mick Schumacher) – Reserved until the end of 2024.
Retaining Numbers:
Former drivers, if returning within two years, can reclaim their previous number. Fernando Alonso might retrieve #14 if he returns after a two-season absence.
In F1, numbers carry deeper stories than mere identifiers on the track, symbolizing personal journeys and significant moments that resonate with the drivers.
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