Lando Norris has revealed his decision to switch to the number one on his McLaren for the upcoming season after winning the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship, surpassing Max Verstappen. By finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris secured the title, finishing two points ahead of his Red Bull competitor.
Norris, who previously identified with the number four, will now embrace the number one for the 2026 season, a tradition symbolizing excellence and hard work in Formula 1. In an interview with Sky Sports News, Norris emphasized the significance of the number one, not just for himself but also for his entire McLaren team, acknowledging their dedication and effort.
Max Verstappen, who previously raced with the number 33 on his Red Bull, may consider returning to that number or opting for number three, although FIA rules require drivers to wait two full years before reclaiming their previous number.
While many champions choose to display the number one to mark their victory, Lewis Hamilton, with seven titles, has stuck with his iconic number 44, similar to Norris retaining his number four as part of his personal brand.
Norris’ championship win marks the end of Verstappen’s 1,457-day reign as the F1 champion and concludes a 5,505-day era where every world champion drove for either Red Bull or Mercedes. Jenson Button was the last non-Red Bull or Mercedes driver to win the championship before Norris, achieving victory with Brawn GP in 2009.
Having spent his entire F1 career with McLaren, Norris expressed his commitment to the team, emphasizing his desire to win the championship with McLaren from the start. He stands as the only F1 driver to secure his first championship after completing over 150 races with the same team.
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