Kimi Antonelli refuses world champion reward as he copies Lewis Hamilton
Newly-crowned Formula 1 world champion Kimi Antonelli has revealed he will turn down the opportunity to race with the No. 1 on his car next season, opting to stick with his preferred number instead. The Italian made history on Sunday by becoming the youngest F1 world champion at just 20 years old - blitzing Sebastian Vettel's record by more than three years - securing the title with a third-place finish at the Mexico City Grand Prix. As reigning champion, Antonelli is entitled to swap his usual race number for the No. 1, but the Mercedes star has no intention of doing so. Instead, he will retain the No. 12 - the number famously associated with his idol, Ayrton Senna.
TL;DR
- Kimi Antonelli, the youngest F1 world champion at 20, will not use the No. 1 plate.
- He will continue to use No. 12, a number associated with his idol Ayrton Senna.
- Antonelli cited superstition and a desire to remain grounded as reasons for his decision.
- His choice follows the precedent set by Lewis Hamilton, who retained No. 44.
- Antonelli is one of only six drivers to decline the No. 1 privilege.