FIA Makes Official Declaration: Lando Norris to Run the Coveted No. 1 in 2026
In a development that has captured the attention of Formula One enthusiasts around the globe, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) has formally confirmed that British driver Lando Norris will compete with the illustrious number 1 on his McLaren car for the upcoming 2026 Formula 1 season. This announcement, which appeared on the FIA’s official entry list for the new season, signifies a pivotal moment in Norris’s career and marks a rare but meaningful tradition in the sport.
Norris, who celebrates his maiden world drivers’ championship after clinching the 2025 title, earned this right by finishing the season at the top of the standings – the first time he has done so in his Formula 1 journey. Securing the drivers’ crown for the first time places him among a select group of champions who have earned the opportunity to adorn their car with the number 1, an honor that is awarded only to the reigning champion.
For Norris and McLaren, this moment carries both symbolism and legacy. McLaren, one of the most storied teams in Formula 1 history, has not seen one of its drivers wear the number 1 in over a decade. Norris’s achievement is therefore doubly significant, representing not just personal glory but also a milestone in the team’s ongoing resurgence. His championship success underscores McLaren’s return to prominence after years of rebuilding and strategic development.
Tradition Meets Triumph
The tradition of carrying the number 1 on the car dates back many decades in Formula 1, reserved exclusively for drivers who conclude the previous season as world champion. Since the introduction of permanent driver numbers in 2014, this practice has been optional, and – as Norris himself acknowledged – many champions often choose to retain their preferred number instead of switching to No. 1.
Norris’s decision to accept the champion’s number highlights his respect for the sport’s traditions. While some world champions have declined this privilege in the past, opting instead to maintain the number they have used throughout their career, Norris embraced it with pride and a sense of collective achievement. Brazilian legend Lewis Hamilton, for instance, continued racing with his iconic No. 44 despite multiple championships, while others like Nico Rosberg never had the chance to use it due to immediate retirement after their title win.
By choosing the number 1, Norris not only acknowledges his place atop the 2025 drivers’ standings but also honors the efforts of everyone who contributed to his success. He emphasized that the number represents more than individual accomplishment; it symbolizes the culmination of years of effort from the entire McLaren team. In his view, the No. 1 does not belong solely to him but to the many engineers, mechanics, strategists, and support staff who helped deliver a championship-winning car.
A Milestone in McLaren’s History
McLaren’s resurgence has been one of the defining stories of recent Formula 1 seasons. After several years of middling performance, the team steadily climbed back into title contention through focused investment in engineering talent and car development. In 2025, both Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri played key roles, combining speed, consistency, and tactical nous to contend at the front of the pack.
Norris’s championship campaign was a dramatic battle that extended all the way to the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where he secured enough points to edge out formidable rivals and claim the championship by a narrow margin. This victory marked a watershed moment for McLaren, highlighting the team’s return to the pinnacle of motorsport after a long drought from the front-running spotlight.
The formal confirmation from the FIA – contained in the official 2026 entry list – serves as a public validation of Norris’s status as the reigning champion. It also sets the stage for what promises to be an intriguing new chapter in Formula 1, as teams prepare for the introduction of sweeping regulatory and technical changes in 2026. These rule changes will reshape everything from aerodynamics to power units, and all teams will be vying to adapt quickly.
Symbolism and Expectations
Carrying the number 1 not only signifies Norris’s top-dog status from the previous season but also elevates expectations for his performance in the year ahead. Several world champions have historically approached the season with the number 1 as a symbol of dominance and respect. However, the challenge of defending a title is always formidable, as every rival team and driver will be fiercely motivated to dethrone the champion.
Norris’s championship success has already inspired many in the paddock, and his decision to adopt the No. 1 further cements his leadership role within the sport. It is a visible affirmation of his arrival at the highest level of Formula 1 excellence. The British driver enters 2026 not just as a statistic but as a benchmark for his competitors.
Indeed, running with the number 1 brings added pressure, as history shows that defending the title can be more difficult than winning it in the first place. As technical regulations evolve and rival teams close development gaps, Norris and McLaren face the task of maintaining momentum while adapting to new aerodynamic and engine regulations poised to take effect next season.
Looking Ahead
Looking to the future, the 2026 Formula 1 season promises a highly competitive landscape, with rule changes that could significantly alter the performance hierarchy. The FIA’s official announcement signals the beginning of a new era for Norris and McLaren – one where they must balance the honor of championship status with the rigor of defending it under fresh conditions.
For fans worldwide, seeing Norris’s McLaren adorned with the number 1 will be a compelling visual reminder of his success and a symbol of continuity amid change. As the countdown to the new season continues, all eyes will be on the reigning champion and his ability to sustain peak form while navigating the pressures of expectation that come with carrying motorsport’s most prestigious number.
In summary, the FIA’s announcement formally endorsing Lando Norris as the driver to race with the number 1 in 2026 stands as a hallmark moment in his career, reflecting both his triumph and the evolving narrative of Formula 1. It pays tribute to longstanding traditions of the sport while setting the stage for new rivalries and challenges that lie ahead.
