Lando Norris has revealed his intention to display the number one on his McLaren car in the upcoming season. Securing the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ title by surpassing Max Verstappen, Norris finished third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing the season two points ahead of his Red Bull rival.
Having previously identified with the number four, Norris has now confirmed his switch to the number one for the 2026 season, a tradition symbolizing achievement and hard work. Emphasizing the collective effort of the McLaren team, Norris expressed pride in representing them with the prestigious number.
Verstappen, who previously raced with the number 33 on his Red Bull car, may contemplate returning to that number or opting for the number three. However, FIA regulations mandate a two-year absence from F1 competition before a driver’s number becomes available for others.
While many champions embrace the number one, Lewis Hamilton, with seven titles, has never used it in F1, preferring to stick with his iconic number 44. Norris’ victory ended Verstappen’s 1,457-day reign as F1’s top driver and marked a significant shift after a long period where every champion drove for either Red Bull or Mercedes.
Before Norris, Jenson Button was the last non-Red Bull or Mercedes driver to claim the championship, achieving victory in 2009 with Brawn GP. Norris, loyal to McLaren throughout his F1 career, fulfilled his championship dream with the team he has been committed to since the beginning, a unique feat in F1 history.
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