Hamilton explains decision to run #1 in Abu Dhabi
Hamilton explains decision to run #1 in Abu Dhabi
Lewis Hamilton explained his aversion to using the champion's number one on his car, having done so in the first free practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Hamilton carried the number one on his nose in FP1 – the first time he has opted to take #1 after winning a championship.
Hamilton raced with number one on his McLaren in 2009 as world champion, but he has decided to keep 44 on his car after his subsequent title wins, with drivers able to select their own numbers since 2014.
However, Hamilton said he opted to change his approach in FP1 at Yas marina in tribute to his Mercedes team as they celebrate a fifth double championship-winning season in a row.
"I personally don't like it, I don't like it at all," said Hamilton. "It was just for one session, it doesn't really mean anything.
A big change to the champ's car this weekend...#F1 #AbuDhabiGP @LewisHamilton pic.twitter.com/6UnKOGfRVk — GP Fans Global (@GPFansGlobal) November 23, 2018
"The reason I did it is because I've been here for six years and since we've been world champions [in 2014, '15, '17', '18] we've never had the number one on the car and I thought it would just be cool.
"I remember when McLaren had number one when Jenson [Button] won the world title and he moved [from Brawn] and brought it with him.
"It's strange that McLaren could then have number one – the next team can, wherever you go."
He added: "I remember the engineers, or the mechanics, asking me at one stage would I ever do it.
"I thought it would be cool to just have it on the car for one session so at least they will have a picture somewhere that they can be really proud of that we were number one.
"44 is my special number, and in actual fact everyone in the team or on my car particularly were saying to me that when they are travelling they'll see a bus number 44 and then they will see a flight or a seat number 44.
"It's becoming part of their lives, which is great because that's exactly how it is with me."
MORE: Hamilton pit-lane gaffe punished
MORE: Mercedes provide update on Hamilton's power unit
Change your timezone:
Latest News
F1 team 'set to announce MEGA signing' in major Red Bull challenge
- 43 minutes ago
Horner in BRUTAL Wolff swipe amid Verstappen to Mercedes links
- 1 hour ago
Hamilton car camera captures Verstappen's TRUE feelings toward F1 rival
- 2 hours ago
F1 star hits back at Sky pundit with 'boring old man' jibe
- 3 hours ago
F1 champion DOUBTS passion of new fans
- Today 15:58
F1 News Today: Horner and Red Bull saga to reignite as F1 legend OFFENDED by official statement
- Today 15:05
F1 Standings
Drivers
- Oliver Bearman
- Charles Leclerc
- Carlos Sainz
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Pierre Gasly
- Esteban Ocon
- Sergio Pérez
- Max Verstappen
- Alexander Albon
- Logan Sargeant
- Lewis Hamilton
- George Russell
- Nico Hülkenberg
- Kevin Magnussen
- Fernando Alonso
- Lance Stroll
- Valtteri Bottas
- Zhou Guanyu
- Daniel Ricciardo
- Yuki Tsunoda
Races
- Gulf Air Grand Prix of Bahrain 2024
- Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Australia 2024
- MSC Cruises Grand Prix of Japan 2024
- Grand Prix of China 2024
- Miami Grand Prix 2024
- Gran Premio dell'Emilia Romagna 2024
- Grand Prix of Monaco 2024
- Grand Prix du Canada 2024
- Gran Premio de España 2024
- Grand Prix of Austria 2024
- Grand Prix of Great Britain 2024
- Grand Prix of Hungary 2024
- Grand Prix of Belgium 2024
- Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Italy 2024
- Grand Prix of Azerbaijan 2024
- Grand Prix of Singapore 2024
- Grand Prix of the United States 2024
- Gran Premio de la Ciudad de Mexico 2024
- Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2024
- Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024
- Qatar Grand Prix 2024
- Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi 2024
About GPFans
GPFans is a multi-platform, multi-language brand dedicated to Formula One coverage. We bring you all the ins and outs of the sport, 24/7, everything from up-to-the-minute news and features to the latest viral stories and clips.We believe that a new generation of exciting, outspoken drivers will make F1 more popular than ever before, and we want to give our users access to as much of their heroes as possible, on and off the track. From Lewis Hamilton to Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo to Sebastian Vettel, we provide in-depth analysis of every every Grand Prix in the season, from Australia to Abu Dhabi.
With Formula One under the new ownership of Liberty Media, how the sport is being covered is evolving, and GPFans will look to be at the heart of this progression into new media, as one of the fastest-growing sites covering the king of motorsports.
Follow us on your favorite social media channel
Corporate & Media
Innovatieweg 20C7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860