'Champion' Kimi Antonelli Says No To No.1 On Car, To Stick With No. 12

Kimi Antonelli won the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship 2026© Getty

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli placed his hands on the steering wheel and said, "We did it, we did it," as he crossed the finish line in the Mexico City Grand Prix, right behind winners Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. Antonelli scripted history with his third-place finish in the race, as it enabled him to become the youngest driver in the history of the sport to clinch the championship title.

Courtesy of the championship, Antonelli is officially the No. 1 Formula 1 driver in the world. Yet, he is not keen to have numero uno printed on his car. Reason? A superstition.

"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," he added.

While it's the tradition for the defending champions to have No.1 on their car, Antonelli is keen to stick to his number 12. Recalling previous instances of using the No. 1, Antonelli said that whenever he did so, things didn't quite go well for him.

"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," said Antonelli, who became the first Italian champion in 73 years.

"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."

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