For those who don't know the story behind Lewis Hamilton's famous race number, the Mercedes driver recounted the origin of #44 during Sunday's BBC Sports Personality of the Year award ceremony.

Hamilton has used #44 in F1 since 2014, when the FIA allowed drivers to choose their own race number, but the double-digit character was also the Mercedes driver's favourite number during his karting days.

"Of course, each year I start, basically it's a new fresh start for everyone," he said.

"I always start with number 44 because that's the number that I had on my go-kart when I was eight years old.

"It was my dad's car registration number, F44, so each year it's just a new chance to rise to the challenge."

©Mercedes

Overall, Hamilton was won 62 Grands Prix and five world titles with '44' emblazoned on his car.

The number is so favoured by the Briton that he's always rejected the opportunity to race with the #1 typically associated with reigning world champions.

However, to honour their driver's sixth title at F1's season finale in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes stamped a number '1' on Hamilton's Silver Arrow in Friday's first free practice session.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

10 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

12 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

13 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

15 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

16 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

17 hours ago