McLaren driver Lando Norris has confirmed that he will be using the number one car in the Formula One championship for the upcoming season after winning the title last year.
This move marks a change from the current tradition of drivers retaining their same car number from when they first entered the sport, which was only relaxed starting next year. Since 2014, drivers have stuck with the same car number upon entering F1 but now this rule will be altered for the 2026 season to allow drivers to choose different numbers each year.
As reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen would have had to switch to a new number if Norris hadn't taken it, the British driver is set to leave his mark as just the eleventh Briton to claim the championship title.
Norris's decision on choosing car number one comes after pipping Verstappen by just two points to win this year's Drivers' Championship and also securing a 13-point lead over McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
In an emotional interview with Sky Sports News, Norris stated that he would be wearing the number "not just for me but for everyone at McLaren". When asked why he chose the car number one, Norris explained that it was a decision based on tradition, tradition being in place to make it more difficult and challenging to get.
Norris's victory marked an emotional moment as he pipped Verstappen by two points and became just the eleventh British driver to claim the championship title. The F1 world champion expressed gratitude towards his friends, family, and fans who congratulated him on winning the championship title.
This move marks a change from the current tradition of drivers retaining their same car number from when they first entered the sport, which was only relaxed starting next year. Since 2014, drivers have stuck with the same car number upon entering F1 but now this rule will be altered for the 2026 season to allow drivers to choose different numbers each year.
As reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen would have had to switch to a new number if Norris hadn't taken it, the British driver is set to leave his mark as just the eleventh Briton to claim the championship title.
Norris's decision on choosing car number one comes after pipping Verstappen by just two points to win this year's Drivers' Championship and also securing a 13-point lead over McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
In an emotional interview with Sky Sports News, Norris stated that he would be wearing the number "not just for me but for everyone at McLaren". When asked why he chose the car number one, Norris explained that it was a decision based on tradition, tradition being in place to make it more difficult and challenging to get.
Norris's victory marked an emotional moment as he pipped Verstappen by two points and became just the eleventh British driver to claim the championship title. The F1 world champion expressed gratitude towards his friends, family, and fans who congratulated him on winning the championship title.
... it's amazing how one decision can impact so many others. Lando Norris's choice to wear number 1 for next season isn't just about him; it's about setting a new standard, making it harder for others to follow in his footsteps 
. I mean, think about it, if every driver could choose the same number, would the competition be as fierce? It's all about making the game more challenging, more exciting 
... life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes we have to make choices that change the game altogether 
. And let's not forget, Norris's decision comes with a lot of responsibility, being the face of McLaren and representing the team on the track 
... it's a reminder that when we succeed, we're not just celebrating ourselves, but our entire community 
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I'm low-key surprised Lando Norris snatched that number one car for next season tho 
! It's gonna be a tough road to defend the title with all these talented drivers out there 
But honestly, he earned it last year and I'm hyped to see him crush it again 
. The rule change is cool too, more options for the drivers means less pressure on one number 
. Norris's dedication to tradition is fire 
. I guess Norris wanted a head start or something? Anyway, congrats to him on winning the championship title again! He's one step closer to becoming the 11th Briton to do so 
. But seriously, it's kind of cool that he chose car number one for next season... tradition and all that jazz 
.
. It's not fair to have to switch just because some other guy is trying to follow in his footsteps. and what's with the tradition thing? tradition to make it harder or more challenging... yeah right, just so someone else can feel special 
! I mean, it's awesome that Lando Norris is going for the number one car - it's a bold move, but I think he's got it right 
. The rule change for 2026 makes total sense, by the way - it keeps things fresh and exciting for drivers like Norris who want to make their mark on the sport 
. Norris's interview sounds like such an emotional ride - I can only imagine how surreal this must feel for him right now 
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anyway, nice move by lando tho, number one car is def gonna give him some extra bragging rights 