British driver Lando Norris has revealed his decision to display the number one on his McLaren for the upcoming season. Norris secured the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging out his Red Bull rival Max Verstappen by two points.
In a departure from his usual number four, which had become synonymous with his personal branding, Norris will embrace the number one for the 2026 season, previously held by Verstappen since 2022. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Norris emphasized the tradition and significance of the number one, noting that it symbolizes hard work and achievement for the entire McLaren team, including mechanics and engineers.
Verstappen, who previously competed with the number 33 on his Red Bull, may consider reverting to that number or opting for the number three, as used by Daniel Ricciardo. However, FIA regulations require drivers to spend two full years away from Formula 1 before their previous numbers become available for selection.
While many champions choose to display the number one to commemorate their victories, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton has consistently stuck with his iconic number 44, aligning it with his personal brand similar to Norris. Norris’ championship win not only ended Verstappen’s 1,457-day reign as the F1 champion but also marked the conclusion of a significant 5,505-day period where every world champion drove for either Red Bull or Mercedes.
Prior to Norris, Jenson Button was the last driver to clinch the championship without representing Red Bull or Mercedes, achieving the feat with Brawn GP in 2009. Norris, who has remained loyal to McLaren throughout his F1 career, expressed his desire to win the championship with the team from the beginning, making him the only F1 driver to secure their maiden championship after completing over 150 races for the same team.
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