Seven Iconic F1 Driver Numbers and the Stories Behind Them

In the world of Formula 1, driver numbers are far more than just identifiers. Over the decades, they have become symbols of legacy, personality, and history. Each number tells a story — of triumph, tragedy, and inspiration — that connects fans to their favourite drivers. What began as a simple race-day formality has evolved into a vital part of F1’s identity, with numbers often immortalising the champions who wore them.

The Evolution of Driver Numbers in F1
From 1950 to 1973, driver numbers were assigned on a race-by-race basis, offering little consistency. However, the 1974 season introduced a system that based numbers on team standings from the previous year’s championship. This meant the winning team would run cars numbered #1 and #2. Later, the rule was modified so the reigning world champion could carry the #1 to a new team, as Damon Hill did in 1997 when he joined Arrows after his title-winning year with Williams.

In 1996, Formula 1 revised the system again, assigning numbers annually based on the latest standings. However, the major transformation came in 2014, when drivers were allowed to select their own permanent numbers between #2 and #99. A driver’s number now stays with them throughout their F1 career, unless retired — giving fans and drivers alike a sense of continuity and identity.

#44 – The Legacy of Lewis Hamilton
Among modern F1 legends, few numbers are as instantly recognisable as #44. When the rule allowing personal selection came into effect in 2014, Lewis Hamilton chose #44, a number deeply tied to his beginnings. “When I was eight, we got a really old go-kart,” Hamilton once said. “It was from the back of the newspaper… My dad didn’t know what number to use, and on the number plate of his car was F44. That’s the number we raced with for many years.”

Hamilton described the number as “loyal” to him, and his career statistics prove it. The #44 has featured on his car during six of his seven World Championship victories and over 80 Grand Prix wins, becoming synonymous with his era of dominance.

#5 – A Number Shared by Legends
The number #5 has been carried by several F1 icons, contributing to nine World Championships. It brought glory to Emerson Fittipaldi in 1974, Mario Andretti in 1978, Nelson Piquet in 1981 and 1983, Nigel Mansell in 1992, and Michael Schumacher in 1994. Sebastian Vettel, who clinched his first title in 2010 using #5, later chose it as his permanent number from 2015, honouring the famous “Red 5” of Mansell’s Williams.

#12 – Ayrton Senna’s Early Glory
Ayrton Senna’s name is forever linked with #12. The Brazilian legend raced with the number during his early Lotus years (1985–1987) and again when he joined McLaren in 1988, where he secured his first World Championship. The number has since been revived by young Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, who idolises Senna and aims to carry forward his legacy.

#27 – The Spirit of Gilles Villeneuve
Perhaps no number carries more emotional weight than #27. Made iconic by Ferrari driver Gilles Villeneuve, it became a symbol of his fearless style and enduring legacy. Although Villeneuve only drove the #27 Ferrari for 19 races before his tragic death in 1982, the number became immortal. Later, it was worn by Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, and Jean Alesi — and even graced Ayrton Senna’s McLaren in 1990, when he won another title. Today, Nico Hulkenberg races with #27, though his reason for choosing it is personal rather than historical.

#22 – From Underdog to Champion
The #22 once symbolised backmarker teams but gained legendary status in 2008 when Lewis Hamilton won his first championship with it. The following year, Jenson Button carried #22 to another remarkable title with Brawn GP in a fairytale season. Button later made it his permanent number, and it is now used by Yuki Tsunoda, who doubled his karting number (#11) since it was already taken.

#1 – The Mark of a Champion
Reserved exclusively for reigning champions, #1 has collected 15 World Championships since 1986. Michael Schumacher claimed five of those titles using the number, while others include Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Mika Hakkinen, Fernando Alonso, Sebastian Vettel, and Max Verstappen. Interestingly, not every champion chooses to use it — Hamilton famously stuck with #44 even during his title reigns.

#17 – Jules Bianchi’s Eternal Tribute
The number #17 holds a special place in F1’s heart. It was used by French driver Jules Bianchi during his time with Marussia. Tragically, after a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, Bianchi passed away in 2015. In his honour, Formula 1 retired #17 permanently — a moving reminder of the risks and bravery that define the sport.