Formula One drivers from 2014 onward will have the opportunity to choose their own car numbers.
The FIA have confirmed that drivers will be allowed to choose any number between #2 and #99 to represent them, with the #1 reserved for the world champion.
A strategy group met ahead of a meeting at the World Motorsport Council last week, before the FIA implemented that new rule.
Having a system where the drivers can choose their own number makes the digit synonymous with the driver and does not change every year.
Currently the driver’s numbers are based on where their team finished in the constructor’s championship in the proceeding year.
In 2013 for example, Ferrari bared #3 and #4 on their cars for finishing second in the 2012 constructor’s standings.
This system is similar to that which is used in MotoGP. In the MotoGP everyone knows whenever they see the #46 that it is none other than Valentino Rossi, or that #27 is associated with Casey Stoner.
Roarers, what are your thoughts on having permanent numbers for drivers in F1?
tony meadows
Guest
So how will F1 decide the pecking order?After Vettel who gets to choose next,the runner-up et seq ?
Mat Coch
Roar Guru
Red 5, so chosen after Mansell learned it was Luke Skywalker's number in Star Wars.
Mat Coch
Roar Guru
Assuming one ignores the history Williams has with the numbers, too.
Mat Coch
Roar Guru
The current structure came in when the championship was more formalised. Previously each event was run by the individual organisers and teams could choose whether to attend or not, with the Commission Sportive Internationale identifying which events counted to the world championship. Event organisers would give numbers out according to their own systems, so you'd see drivers and cars carrying different numbers throughout the season. When Bernie got involved and compelled teams to race in all championship events (therefore presenting a more saleable product, increasing the negotiating power) numbers eventually followed constructors championship order.
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
They should have allowed 0 too, like Damon Hill in '94.
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
Hadn't even thought about merchandise! It'll definitely add a bit more of the driver into it, with their number and whatever colour scheme they choose. Just like my Rossi hoodie that seems to pull a crowd wherever I go.
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
Number 12 was also pretty special, Senna had that on one of his Lotus' and of course the '88 McLaren.
Bayden Westerweller
Roar Guru
Ferrari should automatically have 27 and 28 for their drivers, and whenever they leave the driver picks a new number, as part of the folklore... I'm sure Kimi doesn't care which number he has, so long as he's paid, and has plenty of vodka!!!
Bayden Westerweller
Roar Guru
1) I bet Kimi will chose a random number with no symbolism since he "doesn't give a shit." Or a number which is the name of a vodka... 2) Cheers!
anfalicious
Guest
I think 27 and 28 were Ferrari's numbers.
Nicholas Belardo
Roar Guru
Can't wait to see who gets what. Interesting that it also allows numbers up to 99..
Dexter The Hamster
Guest
1) also curious to see what happens with numbers 2) best surname ever. Westerweller.
Dexter The Hamster
Guest
Was 27 the Villeneuve number??? Bit before my time, but I seem to remember that coming up before. Gilles that is, not Jacques.....
Bayden Westerweller
Roar Guru
I've wondered why they didn't implement this system for years, so I'm glad it's finally happening! The consensus is that Vettel should take #8 - in reference to his seemingly inevitable breaking Schumacher's title record, but then he'll probably never use it if he wins every season and presumably keeps the #1. Hamilton #22 as he won his title with that number after the Spygate fiasco in 2007 also sounds popular. I will be curious to see the drivers' justification for their number, whether it can go on to create the iconic link as we've seen with Mansell and red five, or Ferrari #27 & #28, we'll know in a few years!
Mark Young
Roar Guru
I always enjoyed Red 5 for Mansell, 27 for Ferrari's number one, be it Villeneuve, Berger etc. Good idea, keen for it!
Mark Young
Roar Guru
Love it, looking forward to seeing who grabs 27. This will no doubt be a real asset to the guys getting to sell the t shirts. Nice work Jawad!
Dexter The Hamster
Guest
Good idea. Not sure why they changed to the system in place anyway. Surely merchandise comes first, esp in the money hungry F1 market? Also see Todt said the numbers or names need to be more prominent on the cars. Its easy enough when the Mercs and Ferrari's go around, we can tell the difference with Rosberg and Massa having distinct helmets, but telling the difference between the Force India drivers and the Caterham drivers is pretty tough even for seasoned watchers.