Current Championship Leader Max Verstappen has expressed interest of running with the number #1 on his Red Bull instead of his current race number of #33 next season if the Dutchman is to clinch this year's title.
11/11/21
Currently leading the F1 Driver's Championship by 19 points over rival Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen heads into this weekend's Brazilian GP with momentum and confidence behind himself and his Red Bull team.
Speaking to the media ahead of the race weekend, Verstappen was as comfortable as he had been throughout the whole of the season and not trying to think about the championship. He said: "I’m just really focused; in four races a lot of things can happen. We are looking good, but things can change very quickly."
The Formula One Driver's Champion can choose to either run their permanent number or they can choose to sport the number #1 for the year following their title. Reigning Champion Lewis Hamilton has opted not to do this and instead keep his #44 following his championship wins.
Regarding running with the number #1 next season, Verstappen said: “Absolutely, how many times do you have the opportunity to drive with number 1? And it’s good for merchandise as well, you know? So, it’s smart to do that."
DIFFICULT DILEMMA: If he is to win this year's title, Verstappen looks to be torn between using his usual number or running the famous number one for champions for next season
“How many times do you have this opportunity? You don’t know. Maybe from next year you don’t get that opportunity again"
If Verstappen was to win this year's championship and decide to run the #1 next season, he would be the first champion since Sebastian Vettel in 2014 to do so.
The Red Bull driver heads to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix with history of success with podium finishes in 2016 and 2018 along with victory in 2019.