Newly crowned Formula 1 World Champion Lando Norris has confirmed that he will race with the iconic number 1 on his McLaren in the 2026 season, honouring a tradition reserved exclusively for the reigning champion. Norris, who clinched his maiden title in a dramatic Abu Dhabi finale by just two points, currently races with car number 4 but has opted to adopt the digit that symbolises the sport’s highest honour.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Norris said the decision was driven by respect for the legacy of Formula 1 and the significance of the championship crown. “It’s tradition, it’s there for a reason. It’s there because you can go and try grab it and you can work hard to try and get it,” he said. The Briton emphasised that the number is a shared badge of honour for his entire McLaren team. “It’s not for me, it’s for them as well… they put a lot of work and effort into everything. They can also go ‘we’re number one’.”
The number 1 plate has been synonymous with Max Verstappen for the past four seasons, with the Red Bull driver adopting it after winning his first championship in 2021. Before that, Verstappen raced under his long-standing number 33, which he may now consider returning to for 2026 following Norris’ title triumph. The Dutchman has not yet publicly confirmed whether he will switch back.
Since F1 introduced permanent driver numbers in 2014, using number 1 has been optional for champions. Lewis Hamilton, for instance, chose to stick with 44 throughout his title-winning years. Verstappen embraced the tradition, while Norris becomes the latest driver to carry the number into the following season.
As pre-season testing approaches, Norris will arrive not only with a new car and new number, but with the confidence of a first-time World Champion — marking the start of an exciting new era for both him and McLaren.
