The number a driver carries on the car is part of his identity: it appears on the helmet, on shirts, on grandstand flags. Since 2014 the FIA has allowed each driver to choose his own permanent number, and for 2026 a change was approved that allows modifying it. Behind each choice there is usually a story: a childhood memory, a superstition, a "taken" number or a free slot.
One number, one story
Norris
As the 2025 champion he can carry the 1; his 4 is taken out of the pool for as long as he is champion.
Verstappen
He used 33 until his first title and in 2026 moves to 3, the one he always preferred; Ricciardo had it from 2014.
Leclerc
His favourites, 7 and 10, were taken; he chose 16 because 1 + 6 adds up to 7.
Alonso
He has carried it permanently since 2014.
Piastri
He has used it since joining F1 in 2023.
Russell
He is the only driver who uses the 63.
Sainz
He keeps the 55 in his Williams spell.
The 1 and Verstappen's change
Since permanent numbers exist, the 1 is reserved for the world champion. Lando Norris, 2025 champion, can carry it in 2026, and his usual number, the 4, is taken out of the pool for as long as his reign lasts. Verstappen, who used 33 until his first title, has moved to 3, the one he always preferred: Ricciardo had held it since 2014, which is why Max had to settle for 33.
The stories behind each number
Leclerc wanted 7 or 10, but both were taken when he arrived in F1; he chose 16, because 1 + 6 adds up to 7. Fernando Alonso has carried 14 permanently since 2014. Oscar Piastri has used 81 since arriving in 2023, George Russell is the only one who uses 63 and Carlos Sainz keeps 55 in his Williams spell. For Hamilton and the 44 we found no solid explanation in the sources, so we do not include it.
Frequently asked questions
What number does Verstappen carry in 2026?
The 3: he used 33 until his first title and in 2026 moves to the number he always preferred.
Why does Leclerc carry 16?
His favourites, 7 and 10, were taken; he chose 16 because 1 + 6 adds up to 7.
What number does the world champion carry?
The 1: Norris carries it in 2026 as the 2025 champion.
Sources
- Motor Sport Magazine · Every 2026 F1 driver number and why they chose them
- RacingNews365 · Every 2026 F1 driver number confirmed in full
- PlanetF1 · F1 driver numbers explained
- Red Bull · F1 driver number changes in 2026: why Max Verstappen chose 3
- F1 Oversteer · Every 2026 F1 driver's number and why they chose it
Figures and quotes come from the linked sources and may have changed since.
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