Lando Norris has revealed his decision to display the number one on his McLaren car in the upcoming season. This honor comes after he secured the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship by surpassing Max Verstappen. Norris sealed his title with a third-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out his Red Bull rival by two points.
In a shift from his usual number four, Norris will embrace the number one for the 2026 season, a tradition signifying excellence and hard work. He emphasized that the number represents a collective effort, with everyone at McLaren sharing in the pride of sporting it.
Verstappen, who previously raced with the number 33, may consider reverting to that number or opting for the number three. However, FIA regulations mandate a two-year absence from Formula 1 before a driver can reclaim their previous number.
While many champions choose to display the number one, some, like Lewis Hamilton, prefer to retain their iconic numbers for personal branding. Norris’s championship victory ended Verstappen’s long-standing dominance in F1 and marked a significant milestone in the sport’s history.
Norris, a McLaren loyalist, expressed his desire to win the championship with the team from the start of his F1 journey. His achievement as the reigning champion after over 150 races with McLaren solidifies his unique place in F1 history.
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