Newly crowned Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli has opted not to get the number 1 printed on the car for the 2027 season. Antonelli finished third at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday, behind Max Verstappen, who finished first and Lewis Hamilton, who came in at second place.
The third-place finish was enough for Antonelli to clinch a historic Formula 1 title with 380 points.
At 20 years and 68 days, became the youngest-ever world champion, surpassing Sebastian Vettel’s record. He also became F1’s first Italian champion since 1953, when Alberto Ascari won the title.
“I’m speechless. I’m trying to process what has just happened,” said Antonelli after the historic triumph. “It’s been an incredible season, and to share this podium with Max and Lewis is truly incredible.
And looking forward to some more battles in the future. This weekend I did feel a bit more tense, but I’m just so happy that we got it done, and now we can enjoy the rest of the season,” the youngster said during a post-race interview in Mexico.
In , it is a tradition for the world champion of one season to use the number one on their car the next season. However, it is more of a choice rather than an obligation. McLaren’s , who won the 2025 Formula 1 world championship, used the number one on his car this season.
Antonelli revealed the reason why he has decided to stick with number 12 on his car for the 2027 season. “I’ll stay with number 12 because, obviously, it’s a very special number for me, but also it’s a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble,” he said.
“I feel like by keeping number 12 it allows me to have a new point where to start and build on everything again and try to improve. And also, to be honest, I’m very superstitious, and number one has never been a good number for me. Whenever I put it (on), it went extremely badly. So one more reason to stay with number 12,” the Bologna-born racer added.
