Why is number 17 banned in F1?
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. It sounds like a rather odd number to ban, but the number sadly became associated with one of the biggest tragedies in F1 history, which compelled F1 to retire it forever. Jules Bianchi, a much-loved member of the paddock who lost his life to a crash almost a decade ago.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.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 Jules Bianchi, the only number ever officially withdrawn from use in Formula 1.Yes, 13 is allowed.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.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.
Is number 69 allowed in F1?
Drivers allowed to choose their own, permanent numbers from 0 through 99 except 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion is allowed to use No. In the event of the drivers’ champion not returning, no swap would take place, and number 0 would be used instead of 1 – this only occurred in 1993 and 1994 with Damon Hill. A little over two decades later, in 1995, the system was changed again.