Max Verstappen will wear the number one on his car next season if he wins the 2021 Formula 1 title.
F1 introduced permanent numbers in 2014 and since the end of that season no car has raced with #1.
Lewis Hamilton has won six of the seven hybrid-era championships and has stuck with his #44 in every following season, though has used #1 in practice after clinching titles in the past.
The only other world champion since permanent numbers were introduced is Nico Rosberg who retired after winning the title so never got to use #1.
Verstappen has a 19-point lead with four races to go this season and has confirmed he will switch from #33 to #1 if he beats Hamilton to the crown.
“Absolutely,” he said. “How many times do you get the opportunity to drive with the number one?”
Laughing, Verstappen added: “And it’s good for merchandise as well! So it’s smart.”
Verstappen says the same attitude that “you may never get the opportunity again” is fuelling his enjoyment of his successful season.
Verstappen has won nine of the 18 races held so far in 2021 and no driver will end the year with more victories than him whatever happens in the last four grands prix.
He has won almost as many races this year (nine) as he did over the first seasons of his career (10).
But he says that will not matter if he does not beat Hamilton in the championship because the final points tally is what counts.
“No, the only winner is the one who finishes on top,” said Verstappen.
“It doesn’t matter how many races you win.
“Whatever happens in the end it’s not going to change my life. I’m just enjoying what I’m doing.
“Of course I’m trying to win the championship and we are looking good.
“But a lot of things can happen.”
Despite entertaining the prospect of becoming champion by confirming he will adopt the champion’s number, Verstappen reiterated he is not getting carried away with thoughts of the title.
“It’s very simple to be honest with you: if you don’t think about it, you will not have any dreams,” Verstappen said.
“In four races a lot of things can happen.
“We are looking good but you know things can change very quickly.”
