Is number 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. F1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99, which remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport.Currently, drivers are allowed to pick their own number for their career from 0, 2 through 99. Only the World Champion is allowed to use number 1. This number cannot be reallocated unless the driver has not driven in the sport for two seasons, with the exception of the number 1.According to Lewis Hamilton, anyone can choose number 1 for themselves if that driver has won the world championship and therefore, it does not make sense for him to choose number 1 over 44.While the number 17 is the only officially retired number in Formula 1, certain numbers are unavailable due to regulations or other traditions. For example: The number 13 is traditionally avoided in motorsport due to superstition.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.
Why is number 17 banned in F1?
Number 17 is the only driver number in Formula 1 to be officially retired — a tribute to the late Jules Bianchi. The French driver was using #17 when he suffered a devastating crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. After fighting for nine months, Bianchi sadly passed away in 2015 from his injuries. The number 17 was retired from Formula One in his honour by the FIA, who mandated the halo cockpit protection device in all open-wheel championships from 2018 onwards. As of the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Bianchi remains the most recent fatality in the Formula One World Championship.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.Why is 17 not allowed in F1? Number 17 is the only driver number in Formula 1 to be officially retired — a tribute to the late Jules Bianchi. The French driver was using #17 when he suffered a devastating crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.Max Verstappen originally chose #33 as his Formula 1 number because of its connection to his karting days. As a young driver, #3 was his lucky number, but when he joined F1, that number was already taken by Daniel Ricciardo.Formula One Debut: Mick made his Formula One debut with Haas F1 Team in 2021. His choice of number 47 was both a nod to his personal history (the number 4 from his European F3 championship) and his father’s legacy (7 for Michael Schumacher’s seven world championships).
Is the number 13 banned in F1?
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. 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.Banned F1 driver number Some driver numbers are banned or unavailable due to various circumstances. For example, car number 17 isn’t available as a mark of respect to Jules Bianchi, who unfortunately suffered a fatal crash in 2014.Currently, drivers are allowed to pick their own number for their career from 0, 2 through 99. Only the World Champion is allowed to use number 1. This number cannot be reallocated unless the driver has not driven in the sport for two seasons, with the exception of the number 1.
What is F1, F2, F3, F4?
Formula 1 is by far the fastest and most advanced, followed by Formula 2, Formula 3, and then Formula 4. These four series form the official FIA pathway for aspiring drivers. Each step up the ladder brings increased speed, technical complexity, and competitiveness — preparing drivers for the top tier. It’s incredibly competitive, and F1 drivers must earn their seat. You need to win races consistently to move up through the Formula 1 feeder series. The higher you move up through the series, the harder things get.