Kimi Antonelli has confirmed that he will continue racing with number 12 during the 2027 Formula 1 season, despite becoming the youngest world champion in the history of the sport. Following his remarkable championship triumph at the 2026 Mexico City Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver has officially revealed his decision to reject the iconic number 1 traditionally associated with the reigning champion. Antonelli’s choice has already added another fascinating chapter to his historic breakthrough, with the Italian making it clear that personal significance, superstition and his desire to remain grounded matter more than displaying the champion’s number on his car.
The 20-year-old secured his maiden world championship after an extraordinary second season in Formula 1, completing a journey that few could have predicted would happen so quickly. By becoming the youngest champion ever, Antonelli surpassed Sebastian Vettel’s long-standing record and established himself as one of the most remarkable young talents the sport has witnessed. His championship victory also placed him among a select group of drivers who have managed to win the world title during their second season in Formula 1, following in the footsteps of exceptional champions such as Lewis Hamilton. However, rather than immediately embracing every privilege that comes with winning the championship, Antonelli has chosen to retain the number that has accompanied him throughout his early career.
ANTONELLI EXPLAINS WHY NUMBER 12 WILL REMAIN ON HIS MERCEDES
Speaking after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix, Antonelli explained that number 12 carries a personal meaning that makes it difficult for him to abandon it. The Mercedes star described the number as particularly special and suggested that continuing with it would provide a familiar foundation as he begins the next chapter of his Formula 1 career.
“I think I’ll stay with number 12,” Antonelli said.
“I’ll stay with number 12 because, obviously, it’s a very special number for me.”
His explanation revealed that the decision is not simply about rejecting the traditional champion’s number. Antonelli believes remaining with number 12 will help him maintain the mentality that brought him success in the first place. After reaching the summit of Formula 1 at such a young age, the Italian appears determined to approach his next season as another opportunity to learn, develop and improve rather than treating his championship as the end of his journey.
The reigning champion also explained that retaining his familiar number would allow him to start again mentally and continue building on the achievements of his extraordinary 2026 campaign.
“But also it’s a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble, and 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,” he added.
WHY KIMI ANTONELLI IS NOT INTERESTED IN THE NUMBER 1
Antonelli’s decision also comes with an unexpected explanation involving superstition. While number 1 represents the ultimate achievement in Formula 1, the Mercedes driver revealed that it has never been particularly fortunate for him.
“And also, to be honest, I’m very superstitious, and number 1 has never been a good number for me. Whenever I put it, it went extremely badly,” Antonelli explained.
“So one more reason to stay with number 12. But, yeah, I will stay with number 12.”
That statement adds an unusual personal dimension to a decision that could otherwise have been purely symbolic. For many champions, number 1 is a powerful representation of superiority, success and the ability to defend a world championship. Antonelli, however, appears more comfortable with the number that has become part of his identity.
His explanation also highlights a characteristic that could prove important as he prepares for the pressures of defending his title. Rather than allowing his championship achievement to change his approach completely, Antonelli wants to preserve the habits and mentality that helped him reach the top.
ANTONELLI’S CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON WAS A STATEMENT OF DOMINANCE
The decision to retain number 12 comes after one of the most impressive championship campaigns in recent Formula 1 history. Antonelli won nine Grands Prix during the 2026 season and also claimed victory in the British Grand Prix Sprint Race. Beyond his race victories, he added seven further Grand Prix podium finishes and another Sprint Race podium to his collection.
Those statistics underline the consistency that separated Antonelli from his rivals throughout the championship. Winning races is one thing, but repeatedly finishing among the leading drivers across different circuits and racing conditions requires a level of composure that is rarely associated with drivers so early in their careers.
His Mexico City championship victory was particularly significant because it demonstrated that Antonelli had already developed the maturity required to manage the pressure of a title fight. Finishing third was enough to secure the championship, and he did not need to risk everything in pursuit of another race victory.
That ability to understand the bigger picture may ultimately become one of the defining qualities of his career. Formula 1 championships are not always won by the fastest driver on every weekend, but by the competitor who consistently maximises opportunities and avoids unnecessary mistakes when the stakes are highest.
NUMBER 1 HAS BECOME A CHAMPION’S PRIVILEGE IN MODERN F1
Since Formula 1 introduced the permanent driver-number system in 2014, competitors have been allowed to select their own race numbers. The number 1 is reserved for the reigning world champion, giving the title winner the option to replace their regular number for the following season.
That tradition has produced different decisions from some of the sport’s biggest names. Max Verstappen embraced number 1 after winning his first championship and continued using it during his subsequent title-winning campaigns. Lando Norris also switched to the champion’s number after securing his maiden championship.
Lewis Hamilton, however, famously retained number 44 throughout his championship-winning career, choosing not to abandon the number that had become synonymous with his identity.
Antonelli’s decision places him closer to Hamilton’s approach, demonstrating that a driver’s personal identity can be just as important as the prestige associated with the reigning champion’s number.
The number 1 may communicate championship status immediately, but Antonelli’s continued use of number 12 could become an equally recognisable symbol if he maintains his extraordinary level of performance.
MERCEDES NOW HAVE A YOUNG CHAMPION WITH A DIFFERENT MENTALITY
For Mercedes, Antonelli’s decision is another indication that the team has a world champion who is determined to remain focused on development rather than becoming consumed by the status that comes with success.
The Italian’s championship has already transformed his position within the sport. He is no longer simply the highly rated rookie who arrived at Mercedes in 2025 with enormous expectations. He is now the reigning Formula 1 world champion, a record-breaking figure and one of the central personalities of the championship.
Yet his explanation for retaining number 12 suggests that he wants to preserve a sense of normality. That mentality could be particularly valuable in a team environment where expectations will rise dramatically during the 2027 campaign.
Mercedes will also need to ensure that its young champion receives the technical support and competitive machinery necessary to defend his crown. A driver’s number cannot determine championship success, but the mindset behind Antonelli’s decision could offer an insight into how he intends to approach the challenge ahead.
The pressure of defending a title is often more complicated than winning one for the first time. Every rival will be looking to defeat the reigning champion, while every mistake will receive greater scrutiny. Antonelli’s insistence on remaining grounded could therefore become an important part of his preparation.
CAN ANTONELLI DEFEND HIS TITLE WITHOUT CHANGING HIS IDENTITY?
Antonelli’s decision to remain with number 12 creates an interesting storyline ahead of the 2027 Formula 1 season. The Italian has already achieved something extraordinary by becoming the youngest world champion, but the next challenge will be proving that his success can be sustained over multiple seasons.
There will be no shortage of competitors determined to prevent him from establishing a dynasty. Verstappen, Hamilton, Russell, Leclerc and other leading drivers will have their own ambitions, while Mercedes will face increasing pressure to maintain its competitive advantage.
The most interesting aspect of Antonelli’s announcement is that he does not appear to believe becoming champion requires him to reinvent himself. Instead, he wants to carry the same number, the same personal connection and the same desire to improve into the next season.
That approach could become a defining characteristic of his championship reign. While other drivers might embrace number 1 as a statement of dominance, Antonelli appears more interested in what comes next than in celebrating what he has already accomplished.
For the young Italian, number 12 is not a reminder that he has yet to become a champion. It is a reminder of the journey that brought him there.
And with the 2027 season approaching, the biggest question is no longer whether Kimi Antonelli can win a Formula 1 world championship. He has already answered that question in historic fashion. The challenge now is whether Mercedes’ youngest-ever champion can turn his extraordinary breakthrough into the beginning of a sustained era of success—while continuing to race with the number that means the most to him.
