Verstappen to race with 'the best number out there' in 2022

Max Verstappen will ditch his signature #33 race number in 2022 for the privilege of racing with #1 emblazoned on his car, the number traditionally assigned in the past to F1's reigning World Champion.

Since the 2014 season, F1 drivers have had to choose a personal race number before starting their first Grand Prix and carry that number for the duration of their career at the pinnacle of motorsport.

However, the sporting rules still allow the year's reigning world champion to opt for #1 during the season that follows a championship winning campaign.

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While Lewis Hamilton has never embraced the opportunity, Verstappen revealed in Abu Dhabi that he will seize upon the occasion to race with the symbolic #1.

"Yeah, I will run it," Verstappen said after his coronation on Sunday. "How many times can you do that? I don’t know, maybe it’s the only time I can in my life.

"I think it’s the best number out there. I will definitely put it on the car."

The last driver to run with #1 was Red Bull's 2013 reigning world champion Sebastian Vettel who sported the special number in 2014.

Looking to 2022, as Formula 1's only rookie on the grid, Alfa Romeo Racing's Guanyu Zhou has chosen to race with #24.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.