Formula 1 allows the reigning World Champion to replace their permanent race number with number 1 for the following season. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris both chose to use it after winning their respective titles.
Antonelli, however, has decided against it.
The newly crowned 2026 World Champion plans to continue racing with number 12, citing its personal significance and his own superstition around number 1.
Number 12 Has Followed Antonelli Through His Career
Antonelli’s connection with number 12 goes back well before Formula 1.
The Italian used it during the early stages of his single-seater career, including Formula 4, and has retained a strong attachment to it ever since.
The number also carries a link to Ayrton Senna, one of Antonelli’s racing idols.
Asked after the Mexico Grand Prix whether he would consider switching to number 1 for 2027, Antonelli made his preference clear.
“I think I’ll continue with number 12. This number is really very special to me.”
For Antonelli, that significance goes beyond simple familiarity.
Keeping Number 12 Is Also About Identity
Antonelli also sees the decision as a way of maintaining perspective after winning his first Formula 1 World Championship.
Rather than adopting number 1 as a symbol of his new status, he views number 12 as a reminder of where his career started and the work still ahead.
“Keeping number 12 is also a way for me to stay grounded and humble.”
He added that the number gives him the sense of beginning again rather than treating the championship as an endpoint.
That approach fits with the way Antonelli has spoken about his development throughout his rise through the junior categories and into Formula 1.
Antonelli Admits He Is Superstitious About Number 1
There is another reason behind the decision.
Antonelli admitted that number 1 has not brought him particularly good memories in the past.
“To be honest, I’m quite superstitious and number 1 has never been lucky for me.”
He added that whenever he had used it previously, things had tended to go badly.
That was enough to reinforce his choice.
“Another reason to continue with number 12!”
Antonelli Breaks With Recent Champion Tradition
Antonelli’s decision means he will not follow the path taken by Verstappen and Norris, both of whom adopted number 1 after winning the World Championship.
Instead, he will begin his title defence with the same number he used on the way to becoming Formula 1’s youngest World Champion.
For Antonelli, the reasoning is both personal and practical.
Number 12 connects him to the early stages of his career, carries a link to one of his racing heroes and, perhaps most importantly, simply feels like his number.
So while the 2027 season will begin with Antonelli as the reigning World Champion, the number on his Mercedes will remain unchanged.
