An F1 driver’s race number is a huge part of their brand in the sport today. Since 2014, F1 drivers have had the right to choose a permanent number for their racing careers. However, not every number is up for grabs. So, is the number 69 allowed in F1? The answer is more complicated than it seems.
In F1, a driver’s number isn’t just a formality; it’s part of their identity on the grid. Since the FIA introduced permanent racing numbers, fans have grown curious about which numbers are allowed and why some, like 69, remain unused.
How F1’s driver number system works
The FIA introduced the permanent driver number rule in 2014 to help fans identify drivers more easily. Under this rule, each driver picks a number between 2 and 99 that will remain theirs throughout their F1 career. The number 1 is reserved for the reigning World Champion, which is currently donned by Max Verstappen. However, it is not compulsory for drivers to use it.
Once a driver selects a number and starts racing in F1, that number is locked to them. No other driver can use it unless the original owner retires and stays out of the sport for at least two seasons.
Interestingly, the number 69 has never been used in F1. It’s not banned, but no driver has chosen it. Some speculate that the number’s negative connotation may have discouraged drivers from picking it, even though the FIA has never banned it.
The only number retired by the FIA is 17. It was retired in honor of Jules Bianchi, who died from injuries sustained during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
Key caveats and quirks in the F1 number policy
Despite its simple appearance, the F1 driver number system includes a few unique quirks. Drivers can only claim a number once they officially debut in a race weekend. If a driver steps away from the sport, their number isn’t released into circulation until two full seasons have passed.
Another detail is that some drivers have chosen unique or meaningful numbers. Lewis Hamilton opted for 44, his karting number, and stuck with it even after winning the world championship. Max Verstappen, on the other hand, chose to run with number 1 after winning the 2021 F1 title.
Mick Schumacher mentioned that he chose the number 47 as a tribute to his father, Michael, who won 7 F1 world championships. The number 7 was occupied by Kimi Raikkonen at the time he joined F1, so he chose to go for 47, which means “for 7 [Michael]”.
So, could someone pick 69 in the future? Technically, yes. Unless the FIA makes an official change or bans the number outright, it remains a valid option. Whether anyone actually chooses it, though, is a decision that lies with the next generation of drivers.
