After winning the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, Lando Norris confirmed he will switch from car number 4 to number 1 for the 2026 season. He becomes the fifth driver to be able to the champion's number since permanent driver numbers were introduced in 2014.

The number was previously used by Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen after their title wins, while Nico Rosberg retired after his championship and Lewis Hamilton continued using number 44 despite having the option.

Norris told Sky Sports News that choosing number 1 is part of tradition and reflects the team’s collective effort. He said the number allows the entire McLaren crew to share in the achievement.

The Bristol native champion will participate in the post-season Pirelli tyre test at Yas Marina and expects number 1 to already feature on his car for that session.

Alain Prost stated that Max Verstappen remains at the highest level in Formula 1 despite losing the 2025 title to Lando Norris. Speaking to Canal+ after the Abu Dhabi finale, Prost congratulated Norris but emphasised his belief that Verstappen is "clearly above the rest."

Verstappen lost the championship by two points after mounting a significant recovery from a 104-point deficit earlier in the season. During the race, there was a moment when events briefly shifted in Verstappen’s favour as Norris rejoined in heavy traffic following his first pit stop. Norris, however, regained positions without mistakes and maintained the advantage needed.

The Dutchman’s exceptional comeback effort brought him to the verge of beating the McLaren driver, in a bid to clinch his fifth consecutive world title.

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