Now, the reasons drivers choose certain numbers vary. Verstappen’s race number is actually 33, but he races under the number 1 because that’s reserved for the reigning world champion. The title winner gets to choose whether to use 1 or stick with their race number.

In the world of Formula 1, driver numbers are far more than just identifiers. Over the decades, they have become symbols of legacy, personality, and history. Each number tells a story — of triumph, tragedy, and inspiration — that connects fans to their ...

Further down the grid, Williams have selected academy star and F2 driver Luke Browning to step in for Carlos Sainz again, and Racing Bulls have enlisted the help of Japanese Super Formula driver Ayumu Iwasa to replace Liam Lawson for FP1.

Alpine has finalized its 2026 driver line-up, confirming at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix that Franco Colapinto will retain his race seat alongside Pierre Gasly.

An FIA data breach has exposed the sensitive personal information of F1 drivers, including government-issued IDs, after a group of security researchers breached the sporting body’s Driver Categorisation portal.

Lando Norris leads by a small margin. Max Verstappen, in third, is a real contender. São Paulo could reshape the F1 title chase.