Since 2014, Formula 1 drivers have been allowed to choose a permanent racing number for their career, a rule introduced to give drivers a unique identity across seasons—much like athletes in other sports.
Before that, numbers were assigned based on the constructor’s championship positions or shuffled due to team changes. The exception was the reigning world champion, who always used number 1 (still allowed today if the reigning champ chooses it).
The Evolution of Driver Numbers in Formula 1
Early Days: The 1950s–1970s
When Formula 1 began in 1950, there was no standardised numbering system. Race organisers assigned numbers on a per-event basis, often based on entry order or previous race positions. This meant drivers could have different numbers throughout a season, leading to a lack of consistency and recognition.
Establishing Consistency: 1974–1995
A significant shift occurred in 1974 when a consistent numbering system was introduced. Numbers were allocated based on the previous year's Constructors' Championship standings. The reigning World Champion received number 1, with their teammate taking number 2. Teams retained their numbers unless a driver won the championship or a team left the sport. This era saw iconic pairings, such as Ferrari's association with numbers 27 and 28.
Annual Reassignments: 1996–2013
In 1996, the system was revised to reassign numbers annually. The World Champion still received number 1, but subsequent numbers were allocated based on the latest Constructors' standings. This approach maintained a link between team performance and numbering but offered little room for driver personalisation.
Personal Branding: The 2014 Rule Change
A landmark change in 2014 allowed drivers to select a permanent number between 2 and 99 for their careers, enhancing personal branding and fan recognition. The number 1 remained reserved for the reigning World Champion, though its use became optional. For instance, Lewis Hamilton chose to continue with his number 44, while Max Verstappen adopted number 1 after his championship win in 2021.
Famous & Recent F1 Drivers and Their Racing Numbers
Lewis Hamilton – #44
Chosen because it was the number he raced with in karting as a kid. His dad put it on his kart, and it stuck with him as a symbol of his roots.
Max Verstappen – #33, #1
Picked it because "double 3 looks cool," and he used it in karting. As of 2023, he's switched to #1 as the reigning world champion.
Sebastian Vettel – #5
He used it during his karting days and liked it because it brought him luck. He also raced with it during his dominant Red Bull years.
Fernando Alonso – #14
Chosen because he won the world karting championship at 14 years old on July 14th with kart number 14.
Daniel Ricciardo – #3
Inspired by NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr., whose iconic number was 3.
Michael Schumacher – #1, #3, #5, #7
Since fixed numbers didn’t exist during his peak, Schumacher raced with various numbers, most notably #1 during his championship reigns.
Nico Hülkenberg – #27
Reused the number he raced with earlier in his career. Though #27 is iconic thanks to Gilles Villeneuve and Jean Alesi, Hülkenberg chose it for a personal reason: 19 + 8 = 27, matching his birthday (19 August).
Liam Lawson – #30
Selected #30 for his first full F1 season. He used this number throughout his junior career, including Formula First and DTM.
Esteban Ocon – #31
Picked the number he used when he won his first karting title in 2007. Also used it during his F1 test debut with Lotus in 2014.
Carlos Sainz – #55
His favourite number was 5, but it was taken by Sebastian Vettel. He chose #55 as a creative play on the “S” in his first and last name, which he felt resembled the number 5.
George Russell – #63
Selected in honour of his brother, who used #63 while karting. It became a family number and a meaningful symbol.
Oscar Piastri – #81
Started with #11 in karting but switched to #81 when it was unavailable. Continued using it in British F4 and Formula Renault NEC, eventually adopting it for F1.
Oliver Bearman – #87
Will race with the highest number on the F1 grid. He’s used #87 since he began racing, a tribute to his birthdate (8 May) and his brother’s (7 August). His dad also raced with the number.
