The champion chooses continuity
Kimi Antonelli will continue racing with number 12 in the 2027 Formula 1 season. In comments published by Formula 1 after the Mexico City Grand Prix, the Mercedes driver said he wanted to retain the number with which he won his first title. The reigning champion has the option of using number 1, but making that switch is not compulsory.
What the number means to Antonelli
The Italian connects his decision with the personal importance of number 12 and a wish to stay grounded. He also cited superstition: his previous experiences using number 1 had not gone well. Formula 1 notes that Ayrton Senna, one of his idols, carried 12 when he won his first world title in 1988. Antonelli’s explanation concerns his personal outlook rather than a technical assessment of the car.
Mexico’s record changes the backdrop
Antonelli became champion at 20 years and 68 days, in only his second F1 season. Third place in Mexico gave him the age record previously held by Sebastian Vettel. His choice for 2027 therefore follows a major sporting milestone. It offers a small insight into how he approaches the next stage of his career, without changing the significance of his 2026 achievement.
A connection with his Formula 2 lessons
In a separate Formula 2 interview, Antonelli describes his junior campaign as an education in adapting quickly with limited track time. He remembers the Silverstone and Budapest victories and the improvement achieved together with PREMA. APEX analysis: retaining a number can express continuity, but a title defence will be judged through results and the team’s response to new difficulties. Symbolism and performance are different parts of the same story. The driver’s explanation shows why the former matters to him, while his reflections on learning offer a more practical insight into how he approaches competition.
