Antonelli plans to keep number 12 even if he wins F1 title

Kimi Antonelli plans to keep number 12 for 2027 even if he wins the Formula 1 title, rather than take the reigning champion’s number 1. His answer ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix was conditional: “First, I have to get the job done in Mexico. But I think that once that's done, I'll still be racing with number 12,” he told Blick.

A ninth place on the road on Sunday would make Antonelli Formula 1’s youngest champion. The reigning champion is eligible to use number 1, reserved for the driver who most recently topped the standings; Lando Norris is using it this year after winning his first title at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton is the only champion to have declined number 1 since the rule was introduced in 2014; he kept 44 during his successful spell with Mercedes. For Antonelli, 12 has roots beyond the title rules: it is a tribute to his idol Ayrton Senna, who raced with it from 1985 to 1988 and won his first world title with McLaren while using it. Antonelli’s starting number for his Formula 4 debut—his first experience in a formula car—was also 12. He was 12 when Mercedes accepted him into its junior programme.