Why is number 17 banned in F1?
Jules Bianchi’s number 17 was permanently retired after his tragic 2014 crash and death in 2015. His death led to major F1 safety reforms, including the Virtual Safety Car and the halo device. Number 17 is the only officially retired F1 number; others like 0 are restricted by rule. F1 Driver Number Rules Choosing a number: Each driver has the opportunity to choose a permanent number between 2 and 99, excluding 17, that they can use throughout their F1 career. The number 17 is not used as a mark of respect following the death of Jules Bianchi, who carried that number throughout his F1 career.Drivers can choose any number between 2 and 99, except: Number 1 – Reserved for the reigning world champion (optional). Number 17 – Permanently retired for Jules Bianchi. Any number already in use by another driver.While numbers like 5 and 14 symbolize the greatness of champions like Vettel and Alonso, the number 17 was retired to honor Jules Bianchi, who tragically passed away after a 2014 accident. This gesture respects his legacy and ensures his memory endures.Yes, 13 is allowed. In fact, Pastor Maldonado used #13 when the permanent number system began in 2014. Though often considered unlucky in some cultures, F1 left the choice to the drivers.
Is 69 allowed in F1?
F1 Driver Number Rules Choosing a number: Each driver has the opportunity to choose a permanent number between 2 and 99, excluding 17, that they can use throughout their F1 career. The number 17 is not used as a mark of respect following the death of Jules Bianchi, who carried that number throughout his F1 career. F1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99, which remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport.F1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99, which remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport. If they depart the sport for any reason – be it a retirement or anything else – then their numbers would be reserved for two seasons, preventing any newcomers in that period from selecting it.What To Know? Permanent numbers began in 2014, allowing drivers to choose a unique number for their entire F1 career — except for #1, which is reserved for the reigning World Champion. Jules Bianchi, the only number ever officially withdrawn from use in Formula 1.Drivers were initially allowed to choose any number from 2 through 99; number 1 is reserved for the World Drivers’ Champion. The number 17 was retired in 2015 as a mark of respect to Jules Bianchi, who died that year from injuries sustained in a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix while carrying the number.