After securing his first Formula 1 world title in 2025, with third place in the Abu Dhabi GP, Lando Norris confirmed this Monday (8) that he will stop using the traditional number 4 and adopt car number 1 in the 2026 season. The Briton has kept the 4 since his debut in the category in 2019.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Norris highlighted that number 1 represents the maximum reward for those who work to reach the top and that, for him, assuming this number is part of the sport’s tradition.
With the Brit choosing number 1, Max Verstappen will have to select a new number to compete in 2026. The Dutchman has been using number 1 since 2022, but will now need to opt for another identification for next season.
MORE: Why did Lando Norris apologize after becoming Formula 1 champion?
Why is Lando Norris changing his car number?
The concession to change the original number to 1 is traditionally made to all drivers who win titles in Formula 1 and is applied in the following season. Max Verstappen, for example, changed from 33 to 1 from 2022, after taking the trophy in 2021. Since then, he has maintained his choice.
The decision is not mandatory, and each champion decides whether or not they want to use it. Lewis Hamilton, for example, maintained the traditional 44 for most of his seven seasons as champion, making an exception only in 2009, when he changed it after winning the title the previous year.
In Verstappen’s case, there is speculation that he could return to the old number 33, used before the title streak. However, the Dutchman has already expressed his desire to adopt number 3 if possible.
Furthermore, a recent change regulated by the category has also expanded these possibilities. Since 2014, drivers were required to keep the same number chosen at debut, but a change approved in November will allow annual changes. With this, champions and non-champions will be able to reset their numbers each season.
Reason for choosing Norris
Norris explained that the choice wasn’t just personal. For him, wearing the number 1 is also a way of honoring the McLaren professionals who contributed to winning the world title.
The driver highlighted that, by adopting the 1, he is recognizing the team’s collective effort throughout the season. “For the pride, knowing that they put a lot of work and effort into what they can, so they can also say ‘we’re number 1’. It’s not so cool when you say ‘we’re number 4’, then they’ll be even happier than I am!” he said.
MORE: Formula 1: which races will Globo broadcast in 2026?
