INDEPENDENT RACING JOURNALISMFacts. Context. Evidence.
GPBeat.comGPBeat.com
THE INDEPENDENT RACING DESK
ENNL
F1 news
F1 / NEWS & CONTEXT
Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred.

Antonelli says he will keep No. 12 for 2027, not switch to No. 1

Conceptual AI-generated editorial motorsport illustration; not a documentary photograph or evidence that a pictured event, meeting or transfer occurred. · 2026-11-11GPBeat newsroom · News Made Clear generated illustration

The 2026 champion plans to retain number 12 rather than switch to number 1, saying it is special to him and offers a fresh starting point.

From the GPBeat newsroomPublished · · 1 min

Kimi Antonelli said in Mexico before the São Paulo Grand Prix that he will keep Formula 1’s number 12 for 2027 rather than switch to number 1.

The 2026 world champion became the first driver since Ayrton Senna to win the title with number 12. Senna used the number at Lotus and in his first title-winning season with McLaren in 1988.

Antonelli says number 12 is special to him. He sees keeping it as a way to stay grounded and as a fresh starting point from which to build and improve.

Sources 01
  1. SOURCEKimi Antonelli to honour Ayrton Senna with special helmet at Brazilian GPMotorsport.com F1