F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen sticks to 'beautiful' number 1 for 2023

Max Verstappen has predictably chosen to stick with his #1 race number for the 2023 F1 season, as the reigning world champion feels it's "the most beautiful number there is".

Since 2014, all F1 drivers have used a permanent race number which they were free to choose, with new drivers arriving on the grid also choosing their 'for life' number.

But the status of reigning world champion grants the privilege of carrying #1 on one's car throughout the season.

Verstappen did just that at the end of last year after winning the 2021 title, the Dutchman ditching his signature #33 for a red #1 emblazoned on his Red Bull. And he will retain the single digit for 2023.

"Yes, I will use number 1 again next season," he said last weekend in Abu Dhabi.

"For me, starting number 1 is the most beautiful number there is for any racing driver. How often do you get the chance to drive with starting number 1 in your Formula 1 career? You never know.

"I can always go back to number 33 if I am no longer world champion. But as long as I am world champion, I will use number 1 every single year."

While symbolic, the number reflects Verstappen's utterly dominant 2022 campaign during which the Red Bull charger won 15 races, surpassing the previous record of 13 wins in a single season that was jointly held by Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel.

"This has been a very special season, not only for me but also for the team," added the 25-year-old.

"We have won the constructors' title again for the first time since 2013 and that is obviously very important for the entire team.

"I think it will be very difficult to match this year in the future, let alone surpass it.

"The mindset should obviously be to do better every single season, but that won't be easy after the year we had. We should also cherish how 2022 turned out and really enjoy these moments."

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

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

McLaren to review Sunday's fateful pit stop timing

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has insisted that the squad has no regrets about its…

6 mins ago

Williams' Boutsen hoists the mainsail in Adelaide

On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…

1 hour ago

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

2 hours ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

3 hours ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

4 hours ago

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…

19 hours ago