Sport stars are often superstitious and pedantic about their jerseys and numbers. For instance Serna Williams used to have a pair of lucky socks that she used to wear for important tournaments. But unlike other sports, F1 does not allow sports stars to be privy to such luxuries.

Ever since the championship in 2014 Drivers have been relegated to used fixed numbers while racing. As per the FIA this was a change that was introduced to help the watchers easily recognize their favorites through the numbers. Prior to the fixed rule the numbers were given to the drivers based on the standings in the constructors championship from the previous season. (A sore reminder of your sorrows if the last year was a bad one)

F1 World Champion Has A Choice

The reigning world champion does not have to comply to the rule they have the privilege to easily swap their numbers to number 1. All the other drivers are supposed to keep their numbers the same for the rest of the season.

Often the number chosen by the driver is based on their preference. Racers often choose numbers that mean something to them. For Example Lewis Hamilton Choose no 44 as it was easily recognizable to his fans and family and before F1, 44 was the number that he used to race with. Fernando Alonso choose the number 14 because as per him it has been his lucky number ever since 1996, when he was 14, and won the world championship on 14th of july with Kart number 14.

F1 World Champion Max Verstappen And No 1

The racing royalty and the current Four Time World Champion, continues the use of Number 1 for the 2025 F1 season. It was after his win in the 2021 year that de decided from his number 33 to a 1. A number reserved exclusively for the reigning champion. Verstappen has been on a dominating pursuit in F1, his abilities as driver along with the top-spec Red bull vehicles have led him to be the No1.

Why Did Verstappen Choose 33 As His Previous Number

Verstappen considered 3 to be his lucky umber but when he joined F1 number 3 was taken. Daniel Ricardo was number 3. Verstappen hence chose the number 33 believing that the number would bring him double the luck. And its possibly did, after being the ace reigning champion the racer changed his number to 1 which, profoundly showcases his rise in the world of F1. This would be the first year of Lewis with Ferrari, fans are excitedly waiting for what might happen when the British driver teams up with Italian motorsport giant. If the driver performs well this year his passage to No-1 might be clear of all impediments, even if he voluntarily chooses to don 44 as a number.

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