The Red Bull driver was crowned Formula 1 world champion for the first time on Sunday after a last-lap overtake of his title rival Lewis Hamilton and winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
That means Verstappen has a chance to sport the #1 on his car next season, something that has been in store for the defending champion since the permanent number system was introduced in 2014.
The Dutchman has always raced in the #33 in Formula 1, but a few weeks ago he commented that he would like to wear the #1 in 2022 if he wins the title. Now, after confirming himself as champion, despite the protests rejected by the FIA from the Mercedes team, the newly crowned champion told the press that he plans to wear number 1 in the following season.
“Yes, I will use it,” Verstappen said. “How many times can you do it? I don’t know, maybe this is the only time in my life that I can.”
“I think it’s the best number, and I’ll put it on the car,” explained Max. This means that the #1 will return to the Great Circus for the first time since 2014, when Sebastian Vettel took it in, curiously, the Red Bull.
Hamilton has always refused to wear this number, opting every time for his usual #44 and, as Nico Rosberg retired after winning the title in 2016, no one since that season in which hybrid engines were introduced has worn it.
Alfa Romeo rookie Guanyu Zhou recently confirmed he would be wearing #24 on his car, while Alex Albon would have the number he already wore on his previous F1 venture, #23 , as this doesn’t expire for two years. after the last race played. The Thai will be at the controls of the Williams that George Russell leaves from 2022, while the British ‘ascends’ to Mercedes.
Formula 1 2022 – Driver numbers:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
3. Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren)
4. Lando Norris (McLaren)
5. Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin)
6. Nicholas Latifi (Williams)
9. Nikita Mazepin (Haas)
10. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri)
11. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
14. Fernando Alonso (Alpine)
16. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
18. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
22. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)
23. Alexander Albon (Williams)
24. Guanyu Zhou (Alfa Romeo)
31. Esteban Ocon (Alpine)
44. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
47. Mick Schumacher (Haas)
55. Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari)
63. George Russell (Mercedes)
77. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo)
