Hamilton using #1 on car in Abu Dhabi

Martin Macdonald Friday 23 November 2018 09:41

Lewis Hamilton has been given permission by race organisers to don the #1 on his Mercedes livery for this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina. It will be the first time the number has featured in a race since Sebastian Vettel used it in 2014 as champion.

Usually, the #1 is reserved for champion drivers, while Hamilton has previously ditched that tradition in favour of his #44 which he has had throughout his career.

Article continues under video

It’s been a while... but the #1 is back in @F1! #AbuDhabiGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/1vgcfSq9dg — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) November 23, 2018

Hamilton's official number for the race has been confirmed as #44, but Mercedes have said that he asked permission for the #1 to make a return, with his wish subsequently being granted.

“It is car 44 on the entry list and timing screens and races under this number - the number is still present on the engine cover,” the Silver Arrows confirmed.

“But Lewis has requested and been given permission to run the number 1 on the nose at this final race of the season because he’s world champion. And it’s even a nice shade of metallic red to match his helmet!”

Gold lid. #1 on the car. Looking the part of a Champion, @LewisHamilton! #AbuDhabiGP ???????? #F1 pic.twitter.com/U4PK3PBGqB — Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) November 23, 2018

Hamilton has already secured the 2018 Formula 1 championship, taking his tally to five, after securing enough points at the Mexican Grand Prix last month.

MORE: Ricciardo 'broken' by Verstappen in 2018
MORE: How to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Free, online, live stream and F1 TV

Latest News

F1 News & Gossip

F1 fans plead with Cadillac over Perez RETURN

22 minutes ago

Latest F1 News

Mercedes F1 star George Russell issues health update after Miami Grand Prix absence

1 hour ago

F1 News & Gossip

Doohan set to be axed ‘immediately’ in Alpine driver replacement

2 hours ago

Miami Grand Prix

Lando Norris SWEARS at Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton wants a tea break - Five things you might have missed from the Miami Grand Prix

3 hours ago

Miami Grand Prix

FIA announce Lewis Hamilton penalty verdict after Miami Grand Prix incident

Today 17:57

F1 Today

F1 News Today: FIA issue Red Bull protest verdict as Miami GP final order CONFIRMED

Today 15:40

More news

F1 Race Calendar 2025

GP AUSTRALIA 14 - 16 Mar

GP BAHRAIN 11 - 13 Apr

Oscar Piastri

GP SAUDI ARABIA 18 - 20 Apr

GP MONACO 23 - 23 May

GP SPAIN 30 May - 1 Jun

GP CANADA 13 - 15 Jun

GP AUSTRIA 27 - 27 Jun

GP GREAT BRITAIN 4 - 6 Jul

Complete kalender 2025

F1 News 24/7

Races

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 20C
7007 CD, Doetinchem, Netherlands
+31645516860

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY