Antonelli to keep No. 12 instead of champion’s No. 1

Kimi Antonelli will keep his No. 12 race number in 2027 rather than take the No. 1 reserved for Formula One’s reigning world champion, the newly crowned titleholder said after winning the championship at the Mexican Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver said No. 12 was special to him and helped him stay grounded, while offering a fresh starting point as he works to improve. He also said he was superstitious and that using No. 1 had gone extremely badly for him. Antonelli did not cite specific incidents, and his remarks do not establish that the number affects racing results. Antonelli became champion after finishing third at the Mexican Grand Prix on November 1, succeeding Lando Norris. Norris had switched from his regular No. 4 to No. 1 as reigning champion. Under Formula One rules, the titleholder may choose No. 1 instead of keeping a permanent racing number; Antonelli’s decision means he will retain No. 12 next season. The number has accompanied Antonelli’s success in junior racing. He used it when he won the Italian Formula 4 title in 2022 and the European and Middle East Formula Regional championships in 2023. He is the first driver to win the Formula One world championship...