Kimi Antonelli will keep race number 12 when he returns to defend his Formula 1 drivers’ title in 2027. The Mercedes driver confirmed his decision after winning the championship at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Antonelli clinched the title at 20, becoming Formula 1’s youngest champion, after finishing third in the 71-lap race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. He took nine wins during his second season and finished outside the podium places in three races.
Since 2014, drivers have chosen their own race numbers, while the reigning champion has the option to use number 1. Antonelli currently races with number 12, which was also used by his idol Ayrton Senna when the Brazilian won his first title with McLaren in 1988.
Antonelli said number 12 remains special to him and that keeping it would help him stay grounded as he begins again and works to improve. He also said he is superstitious and has had bad experiences when using number 1.
Sources: Formula 1.