Lando Norris has revealed his decision to showcase the number one on his McLaren car in the upcoming season. The British racer secured the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship by surpassing Max Verstappen, finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and ending the season two points ahead of his Red Bull rival.
Norris confirmed that he will switch from his iconic number four to the number one for the 2026 campaign, a tradition symbolizing achievement and hard work. He expressed that wearing the number one is a team effort, signifying pride for everyone at McLaren who contributed to his success.
Verstappen previously used the number 33 on his Red Bull car before adopting the number one in 2022. It is uncertain whether he will revert to his former number three, as FIA regulations mandate a two-year absence from F1 before reclaiming a number.
Unlike some champions, like Lewis Hamilton who sticks with his number 44, Norris embraced the number one following his championship win, ending Verstappen’s 1,457-day reign. Norris’ victory also marked the end of a 5,505-day period where every world champion raced for either Red Bull or Mercedes.
Jenson Button was the last non-Red Bull or Mercedes driver to claim a championship before Norris. Norris, loyal to McLaren throughout his career, became the first driver to win a title after completing over 150 races for the same team.
Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports package, now including HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, along with 135 channels and comprehensive Formula 1 coverage. Sky broadcasts all F1 events, along with exclusive coverage of other sports like the Premier League, EFL, darts, and golf.