Why is number 17 banned in F1?
Jules Bianchi’s number 17 was permanently retired after his tragic 2014 crash and death in 2015. His death led to major F1 safety reforms, including the Virtual Safety Car and the halo device. Number 17 is the only officially retired F1 number; others like 0 are restricted by rule. F1 Driver Number Rules Choosing a number: Each driver has the opportunity to choose a permanent number between 2 and 99, excluding 17, that they can use throughout their F1 career. The number 17 is not used as a mark of respect following the death of Jules Bianchi, who carried that number throughout his F1 career.Permanent numbers began in 2014, allowing drivers to choose a unique number for their entire F1 career — except for #1, which is reserved for the reigning World Champion. Jules Bianchi, the only number ever officially withdrawn from use in Formula 1.The number 17 was retired from Formula One in his honour by the FIA, who mandated the halo cockpit protection device in all open-wheel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 Mexico City Grand Prix, Bianchi remains the most recent fatality in the Formula One World Championship.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. This gesture respects his legacy and ensures his memory endures.Jules Bianchi, one of the rising stars of Formula 1, tragically lost his life following a collision with a mobile crane at the Japanese Grand Prix on 5 October 2014. Having sustained serious head and spinal injuries, Jules died nine months after the collision in a hospital in Nice, France.
Is number 13 banned in F1?
Yes, 13 is allowed. In fact, Pastor Maldonado used #13 when the permanent number system began in 2014. Though often considered unlucky in some cultures, F1 left the choice to the drivers. Is the Number 69 Banned in F1? Number 69 is not officially banned by the FIA, but no driver has chosen it since the system was introduced in 2014.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. This number cannot be reallocated unless the driver has not driven in the sport for two seasons, with the exception of the number 1.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. This number cannot be reallocated unless the driver has not driven in the sport for two seasons, with the exception of the number 1.Yes, 13 is allowed. In fact, Pastor Maldonado used #13 when the permanent number system began in 2014. Though often considered unlucky in some cultures, F1 left the choice to the drivers.
Are there any LGBT F1 drivers?
There have only been four out, LGBTQ+ F1 drivers in the sport’s history – these are their stories. German former Formula One driver Ralf Schumacher is the latest F1 driver to come out as LGBTQ+, making him the fourth driver to do so. But who are the other gay, lesbian and bisexual F1 drivers? Let’s find out. Lewis Hamilton has long been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity in sport. He uses his platform not just to talk about racing but also to highlight the importance of equality and respect.Sebastian Vettel, committed to the LGBTQ+ community, believes that Formula 1 has become open enough to welcome an openly gay driver.In our collaboration with Racing Pride, we want to positively promote the allyship and LGBTQ+ inclusivity within McLaren Racing and beyond.
Is number 27 allowed in F1?
F1 drivers are allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99, which remain theirs for the duration of their career in the sport. There didn’t used to be in F1 either, until drivers could pick their own numbers. After that, Pastor Maldonado was #13 for two years. It’s eligible to be chosen in F1, but no one has since then.
Is there a female only F1?
F1 ACADEMY is a female-only category designed to increase female participation in the sport, both on and off the track! Since the start of the world championship in 1950, five women have entered an F1 race: Maria Teresa de Filippis, Lella Lombardi, Divina Galica, Desiré Wilson and Giovanna Amati.