F1 Driver Numbers Explained: How They Work and Who Has Which
Quick answer: Since 2014, every Formula 1 driver picks a permanent number between 2 and 99 and keeps it for his career. The reigning world champion may race with number 1 instead. In 2026 Lando Norris uses 1, Max Verstappen uses 3 and Lewis Hamilton keeps 44.
How the system works
- Permanent numbers: drivers choose a number from 2 to 99 when they enter F1, and no one else can use it while they race.
- Number 1: reserved for the reigning champion, who can use it or keep his own number.
- Released numbers: a number stays reserved for two full seasons after a driver last raced, then becomes available again.
- Retired number: 17 was retired in honour of Jules Bianchi.
2026 driver numbers
| # | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing |
| 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi |
| 6 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull Racing |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 11 | Sergio Pérez | Cadillac |
| 12 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 18 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 23 | Alex Albon | Williams |
| 27 | Nico Hülkenberg | Audi |
| 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 41 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls |
| 43 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
| 44 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 63 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 77 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac |
| 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
The stories behind some numbers
Hamilton's 44 comes from his karting days. Verstappen raced with 33 and then 1, and took 3, his favourite number, for 2026. Norris ran 4 before his title and took 1 as champion. Antonelli chose 12 for his idol Ayrton Senna, who raced with it in his 1988 title year. Sainz wanted 5, but it was taken, so he doubled it to 55. Bearman's 87 combines his and his brother's birthdays.
Numbers on merch
Driver numbers appear on driver tees, caps and helmets, so a number tells you which season a piece comes from. Norris items with 4 belong to his pre title years, while 1 marks his champion season. That is part of what makes previous season merch collectible.
#1 Norris T-Shirt
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#3 Verstappen Brazil Cap
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#44 Hamilton 1:2 Helmet
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#55 Sainz Driver Cap
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See every team in the 2026 F1 grid.
FAQ
Can any driver use number 1 in F1?
No. Number 1 is reserved for the reigning world champion.
Which F1 number is retired?
Number 17, in honour of Jules Bianchi.
Can F1 drivers change their number?
A driver normally keeps his number for his career, but changes are possible, as Verstappen showed by switching to 3 in 2026.
