Because of Senna: Antonelli wants to keep number 12 even as world champion
Kimi Antonelli can become world champion in Mexico on Sunday – but he plans to turn down the number 1. The Mercedes driver wants to stick with his 12, the number of his idol Ayrton Senna.
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Kimi Antonelli is already thinking about next season before his possible title. "First I have to do my job in Mexico, but I think I will keep racing with number 12," the 20-year-old told Swiss newspaper Blick, according to OA Sport (translated). As champion he would be entitled to run the number 1, reserved for the title holder, in 2027.
The 12 carries special meaning for Antonelli. "The number 12 on my car? I have it because of Ayrton," F1-Insider quotes him as saying (translated). According to F1-Insider, Ayrton Senna raced with that number from 1985 to 1988 and won his first title with it at McLaren in 1988. Antonelli would follow Lewis Hamilton, who kept 44 at Mercedes. Max Verstappen chose the 1 after his titles, as did reigning champion Lando Norris this season.
Antonelli leads the championship with 365 points, 123 clear of team-mate George Russell. According to Formula1.com, ninth place on Sunday is enough for the title; even with a worse result he becomes champion unless Russell or Hamilton wins the race. OA Sport notes he would be Italy's first world champion since Alberto Ascari in 1953.