Verstappen Keeps Number 1 as Norris Awaits Official Crown

Norris Wins Championship but Number 1 Still Belongs to Verstappen

In a dramatic season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lando Norris secured his first Formula 1 World Championship by just two points over four-time defending champion Max Verstappen. However, despite Norris's historic achievement, the coveted number 1 car designation remains with Verstappen for now, creating an unusual situation in the immediate aftermath of the championship battle.

The Championship Decider

The 2025 Formula 1 season concluded with one of the closest championship battles in recent history. Norris, driving for McLaren, finished third in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix behind race winner Verstappen and his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri. This podium finish gave Norris the championship by the narrowest of margins - just two points separating him from Verstappen, who had dominated the sport for the previous four seasons.

'It's an incredible feeling to finally achieve this dream,' Norris said after the race. 'The team has worked so hard all season, and to come out on top in such a close battle makes it even more special.'

The Number 1 Tradition

In Formula 1, the number 1 is reserved exclusively for the reigning world champion. Since 2014, when drivers were allowed to choose permanent numbers, only three champions have opted to use number 1: Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and now Lando Norris. Verstappen has carried the number 1 since his first championship win in 2021, making it synonymous with his dominant era in the sport.

During the post-season Pirelli tire tests at Yas Marina Circuit, Norris was spotted driving with his usual number 4, not the number 1 he had expressed interest in adopting. This created confusion among fans who expected to see the new champion immediately switch to the prestigious number.

Official Recognition Required

The reason for this delay is procedural. According to FIA regulations, the world champion is only officially crowned at the annual FIA Prize Giving Gala. This year's ceremony is scheduled for December 12th in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Until Norris receives his championship trophy at this formal event, Verstappen technically remains the reigning champion and retains rights to number 1.

'The rules are clear about when the championship is officially transferred,' explained an FIA spokesperson. 'The prize-giving ceremony is more than just a formality - it's when all the official paperwork is completed and the champion is formally recognized.'

Historical Precedent

This situation mirrors what happened when Verstappen won his first championship in 2021. After securing the title in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen also participated in post-season testing with his old number 33 before officially switching to number 1 for the following season. The Dutch driver now faces the decision of whether to return to his original number 33 or choose a different number for the 2026 season.

Norris has already confirmed his intention to use number 1 next season, stating: 'It's not just for me, it's for the whole team. They get to go 'We're number one' too.' This sentiment reflects the tradition that the number represents not just the driver's achievement but the entire team's success.

Looking Ahead to 2026

The 2026 season promises significant changes beyond just car numbers. New technical regulations will come into effect, potentially shaking up the competitive order. For Norris, carrying number 1 will bring added pressure as he defends his championship against a determined Verstappen and other hungry competitors.

Verstappen, despite losing his championship crown, remains one of the most successful drivers in Formula 1 history with 71 Grand Prix wins and four world championships. His reaction to losing the title was characteristically competitive: 'We gave it everything, and we'll come back stronger next year.'

As the Formula 1 world prepares for the official championship celebration in Uzbekistan, fans can expect to see Norris finally adopt number 1 during pre-season testing in February. Until then, the unusual sight of a newly crowned champion without his champion's number serves as a reminder of Formula 1's unique traditions and procedures.