Why can’t F1 drivers have 17?
There are two exceptions, with the number 1 being reserved for the current World Champion, while the number 17 is retired in memory of Jules Bianchi. Many drivers loyally stick with their chosen number throughout their junior and senior careers, often carrying it into other racing categories too. Drivers can choose any number between 2 and 99, except: Number 1 – Reserved for the reigning world champion (optional). Number 17 – Permanently retired for Jules Bianchi.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 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Bianchi remains the most recent fatality in the Formula One World Championship.Formula 1 is a sport steeped in history, tradition, and reverence for its past. One of the most poignant tributes in its modern history is the retirement of car number 17, a decision made in memory of Jules Bianchi.Why is number 17 banned in F1? As a tribute to Jules Bianchi, who tragically lost his life in a crash in 2014, car number 17 remains retired from Formula 1.The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association announced that it felt a responsibility to never relent in improving safety. FIA president Jean Todt also announced that race number 17 would be retired from the list of those available for Formula One drivers, as a mark of respect.
What is the minimum age for F1?
Drivers are expected to perform well in these series to eventually secure a seat in Formula 1. The minimum age for a Formula 1 driver is 18. That means it takes over 10 years to become an F1 driver, as most drivers start in motorsport at about 6 years old. Until midway through 2024, the rules stated that drivers must be the holder of a current FIA International Grade A licence, be the holder of a valid driving licence and be at least 18 years old at the start of their first F1 competition.Licence Requirements/Eligibility. Wera Tools British F4 is open to drivers aged from 15 years.
Who was the 17 year old F1 driver?
There was only one F1 driver who raced at 17 years of age, which was Max Verstappen in 2015. He made his debut for Toro Rosso during the Australian Grand Prix. F1 driver, purely because most rookies joining the sport are normally around the age of 20. Nicholas Latifi started racing in F1 at the age of 25, but 9 of the current 20 drivers on the grid started racing in Formula 1 at the age of 20 or younger.McLaren are claiming the Piastri Norris Hungarian GP 1-2 finish is the youngest in F1 history, despite Red Bull’s Ricciardo Verstappen 1-2 at the ’16 Malaysian GP being the youngest team 1-2 and Leclerc Verstappen 1-2 at the ’19 Austrian GP being the overall youngest 1-2 in F1 History.The oldest driver on the F1 grid is Fernando Alonso, with the Spaniard starting the season aged 41. His birthday falls on 29 July, meaning he will be 42 by the time the 2023 Formula 1 season finishes. Alonso returned to the grid with Alpine in 2021 after being away from F1 for two years.