P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris decides which number he’ll race with as the reigning F1 world champion.
Lando Norris confirmed he will use the number 1 on his McLaren car for his F1 title defense in 2026 after clinching his first championship title at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris secured the title by finishing third, narrowly beating Max Verstappen by two points. Opting to switch from his usual number 4, Norris aims to honor his team’s hard work and pride by sporting the number 1 next season. Verstappen, who loses the privilege after Norris’s victory, may choose Daniel Ricciardo’s former number 3. Notably, Lewis Hamilton is the only world champion since 2014 to not race with the number 1 on his car, citing personal preference and a nod to McLaren tradition.
