Champion's privilege: Norris chooses his 2026 race number

40

Lando Norris is wasting no time enjoying the perks of being Formula 1’s newest world champion.

Fresh off sealing his first title in a nail-biting Abu Dhabi finale, the McLaren star has confirmed he will adorn his 2026 challenger with the most coveted digit in motorsport: the number 1.

And he’s doing it with the enthusiasm of a man who has just been handed the keys to the kingdom — because, well, he has.

Tradition, Pride, and a Dash of Typical Norris Charm

Since joining the grid in 2019, Norris has raced with his beloved number 4. But after outscoring Max Verstappen by just two points in at Yas Marina and claiming the crown, the 26-year-old suddenly has options. And he knows exactly what he wants to do with them.

"It's tradition, it's there for a reason. It's there because you can go and try grab it and you can work hard to try and get it,” he told Sky Sports, making it sound both simple and profound — classic Norris.

But he insists the choice isn’t just about personal glory. Far from it.

"All of us as a team that gets to have a role in McLaren, or my car, will get to wear that with pride,” he added. “It's all my mechanics, my engineers, everyone that's part of McLaren gets to have that acknowledgement too.

"So it's not for me, it's for them as well. It's their pride, knowing that they put a lot of work and effort into everything that they can also go 'we're number one'. It's not as cool when you say 'we are number four' so they will be even happier than I am!”

It’s hard to argue with the Briton. “We are number one” does roll off the tongue rather nicely – and definitely better than “we are four,” which sounds more like a primary school headcount than the battle cry of world champions.

Verstappen’s Digits Dilemma

Norris’ decision means he pries the number 1 away from Verstappen, who has proudly run it on his Red Bulls since 2022. The Dutchman, dethroned after four seasons at the top, is now pondering a fresh numerical identity.

His long-time favourite, 33, is an option – but Verstappen is reportedly tempted by Daniel Ricciardo’s old number 3, a twist likely to cause mild chaos for merchandise teams everywhere.

©RedBull

With this, Norris becomes just the second driver in F1’s personal-number era to take up the champion’s privilege. Lewis Hamilton famously chose not to swap his 44 for a 1 after each of his title wins, except for a pair of one-off Friday practice cameos in Abu Dhabi.

But Norris? He’s embracing the symbolism wholeheartedly. And who can blame him?

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

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.