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. Of the 20 drivers on the 2025 Formula 1 grid, 16 of them competed in F2/F3 (or GP2/GP3 as they used to be known) en route to their F1 seat. Over a third of those drivers have graduated in the past six months, but everyone progressed through the ranks under the watchful eye of F2 and F3 CEO Bruno Michel.
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.A Formula One car number is the number on a car used to identify a car and its driver. Currently, drivers are allowed to pick their own number for their career from 0, 2 through 99. Only the World Champion is allowed to use number 1.