Norris’ reason for not selecting #46 after hero Rossi

F1 rookie Lando Norris has decided not to use the number 46 to stay clear of copying his hero, Valentino Rossi.

Norris considered using the number on his step up to Formula 1 for 2019 but didn’t want to bee deemed as a copycat. He has been a fan of the multiple MotoGP champion since he was young.

“I had 31, I had 11, and in karting I had 33 and 46, but none of them meant a lot to me. So I just went with the one that looked the best. That’s the best reason!” He said speaking at the launch of the special edition phone OnePlus 6T McLaren.

The British driver chose the number four in the end as he felt it looked the best and also fitted perfectly for the hashtag #L4ndo.

“There is a story behind number four: but the story is that there is no story. The hashtag is great.”

“I would have had #46 but I didn’t want to just be a copycat, so I chose something for myself. I have something new that fits perfectly into my logo.”

Will Stevens is the only previous Formula 1 driver to have used the number 46 on the grid in a one-off appearance for Caterham back in 2014.

Norris also became aware of the career progression of fellow F1 newcomer Alex Albon through his support for Rossi.

“I looked up to Alex a lot when I was young, and I liked Alex because he liked Rossi and he used to have 46, and had the colours and everything.”

“But he was always a cool guy and I used to watch him in all the races from the Cadets to where he is now. It’s a cool thing for Alex to be on the grid too.”