After the dramatic showdown in Mexico City, Andrea Kimi Antonelli became the youngest driver ever to lift the Formula 1 world championship. Yet, when asked whether he would adopt the coveted number 1 that previous title-winners Max Verstappen and Lando Norris have proudly displayed, the Mercedes rookie gave a decisive answer: he will remain under the banner of number 12.
Number 12 as a personal emblem
Antonelli explained to that the digit holds two layers of significance. “I think I’ll stay with number 1 2,” he said, adding that the figure has been “a very special number for me.” The link to the legendary Brazilian, Ayrton Senna, runs deep: Senna famously raced with 12 during his career, and Antonelli first wore the same number while competing in Formula 4. Remarkably, Antonelli becomes the first driver since Senna’s 1988 season to capture the world title while carrying the number 12.
Humility carved into a racing number
Beyond nostalgia, the young Italian cites a psychological purpose. “It’s also a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble,” he noted, emphasizing that the number provides “a new point where to start and to build on everything again.” This modest outlook resonated after his impressive run in Austin, where he deflected pressure by crediting his family and the Mercedes crew rather than his own nerves.
Superstition steering clear of number 1
When the conversation shifted to the iconic number 1, Antonelli’s tone turned candid. “To be honest, I’m very superstitious and number one has never been a good number for me. Whenever I put it [on], it went extremely badly!” he laughed, reinforcing his reluctance with a personal track record. The superstition even colored his mindset during the Mexican weekend; he repeatedly heard premature congratulations, prompting him to remind himself, “Until it’s done, it’s not done.” According to team principal Toto Wolff, the champion heard the same phrase multiple times as fans and guests celebrated before the race’s conclusion.
The psychological edge of staying the course
By refusing to change his racing number, Antonelli believes he preserves a mental safety net. The quote, “I kept hearing the same thing over and over again,” captures the constant buzz surrounding his potential title win. Rather than succumb to a self-fulfilling prophecy, he chose the familiar 12, trusting that the symbol would keep him focused on the task at hand.
Future celebrations after the title
With the championship now officially secured, Antonelli outlined a measured celebration plan. He intends to revel in the moment after the São Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, describing the forthcoming party as something he’ll “push … after Brazil.” He also hinted at a stop in Las Vegas, acknowledging that he may not be in his “best state” heading into the desert race, but insisting that “you’ve still got to enjoy all these moments!”
In sum, the newly crowned champion has turned down the symbolic allure of number 1, opting instead for a digit that bridges his idol, his early career, and a personal philosophy of humility. As the F1 grid prepares for the next season, the absence of the number 1—missing for the first time since 2021—will serve as a quiet testament to Antonelli’s unique path.
