Video: Verstappen goes for gold with 2022 helmet design

40

Red Bull's Max Verstappen has unveiled his 2022 helmet design which reflects his new gold status as Formula 1's reigning World Champion.

The Dutchman conquered his first world title in dramatic fashion in Abu Dhabi last month, with the circumstances that led to the famous one-lap shootout between himself and arch-rival Lewis Hamilton still heatedly debated.

Since 2014, 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.

Read also - Verstappen: More titles in F1 would 'just be a bonus'

Verstappen has raced since his debut in the sport in 2015 with his signature number '33', but F1's sporting rules allow the past year's champion to carry #1 on his car during the season that follows a winning campaign.

While Hamilton has always rejected swapping his trademark "44" for number "1", Verstappen has opted to race this year with the latter, calling it "the best number in the world".

And the single digit has also been emblazoned on the 24-year-old's new white and gold helmet livery which he showcased to his fans in a video released on YouTube.

Check out the reigning World Champion's unveiling:

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

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

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.