Newly crowned Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris has officially confirmed that he will race with the iconic number 1 on his McLaren next season.
The number 1 plate is reserved exclusively for the reigning World Champion, and after Max Verstappen carried it for four straight seasons (2022–2025), Norris will take over the honour following his dramatic two-point title triumph in Abu Dhabi.
Norris, who normally races with number 4, told Sky Sports News that choosing number 1 was about more than personal symbolism.
“It’s tradition, it’s there for a reason,” he said. “All of us as a team at McLaren will get to wear that with pride. It’s not just for me — it’s for my mechanics, my engineers, everyone. They can say ‘we’re number one’. It’s not as cool when you say ‘we are number four’!”
Since drivers were allowed to keep permanent numbers from 2014 onwards, Lewis Hamilton remains the only World Champion to decline the chance to run number 1, sticking with his trademark 44 instead.
With Norris adopting the champion’s number in 2026, attention now turns to Max Verstappen, who previously raced under 33 and may choose to switch back next season.
Norris will head into pre-season testing with a new car, a new number, and the confidence of being the reigning World Champion.
