Why is No. F1?
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 Las Vegas Grand Prix, Bianchi remains the most recent fatality in the Formula One World Championship. Formula 1, a premier motor racing event since 1950, highlights numbers associated with legendary drivers. While numbers like 5 and 14 symbolize the greatness of champions like Vettel and Alonso, the number 17 was retired to honor Jules Bianchi, who tragically passed away after a 2014 accident.The ban on number 17 in F1 traces back to the tragic loss of Jules Bianchi, a talented driver whose career was cut short by a fatal accident. The FIA chose to retire the number as a lasting tribute to honor his memory and achievements.
Is number 69 allowed in F1?
Drivers can choose any number between 2 and 99, except: Number 1 – Reserved for the reigning world champion (optional). Currently, drivers are allowed to pick their own number for their career from 0, 2 through 99.Drivers can choose any number between 2 and 99, except: Number 1 – Reserved for the reigning world champion (optional).