♔ ‘Choose a number your fans will tattoo. And ideally, one they won’t regret.’
In Formula 1, numbers are more than paint on carbon fibre — badges of identity, superstition, and occasionally, scandal.
Hamilton’s #44 harks back to a battered family go-kart.
Verstappen’s #33? A doubled-up lucky charm.
And #17? Retired forever, respecting the tragic death of Jules Bianchi.
These digits aren’t just for timing sheets — they’re stitched into the sport’s heart and sometimes its heartbreak.
(Read On…..)
Early Days – Numbers as Necessity
Originally, driver numbers were allocated race-by-race, with no sentiment involved — just a way for marshals to tell who’d crashed.
The Modern Era – Branding on Wheels
Since 2014, drivers have chosen permanent numbers between 2 and 99 (bar #1 for the champion and #17 in honour of Bianchi).
Numbers now appear on merchandise, fan tattoos, and the occasional superyacht tender.
Notable Choices
Lewis Hamilton – #44: From the number plate of his father’s car when he was eight, a lucky charm from humble karting origins.
Max Verstappen – #33: His karting #3 was taken, so he doubled it for ‘double happiness.’ Dropped it for #1 after his 2021 title.
Pastor Maldonado – #13: Proved the famously unlucky number is allowed… though results suggested otherwise.
#69: Technically legal but avoided for obvious reasons.
The Legacy of #17
Retired after Jules Bianchi’s tragic accident in 2014, ensuring his memory laps on — a quiet, dignified mark of respect in a sport not always known for either.
♔ ‘F1’s rule on inappropriate numbers is simple: if you’d blush explaining it to your grandmother, it’s probably on the banned list.’