Permanent Numbers: The Drivers Begin to Reveal Themselves
Permanent numbers will be a novelty in Formula 1 in 2014. It's an opportunity to look back at the process of allocating these numbers and to glimpse the choices of some drivers.
The arrival of permanent numbers is shaking up the habits of the small world of F1, accustomed since 1996 to having drivers’ numbers assigned according to the overall standings of the previous season. While the randomness of successive methods for assigning numbers has helped highlight certain numbers (such as 5 and 27), the new system will prioritize the drivers and their subjectivity.
Formula 1, in its 2014 sporting regulations, established in article 21.2 the allocation of permanent numbers to drivers, and only to drivers, which must appear prominently on the car and, newly, on their helmet throughout their career in the premier discipline. The measure, similar to what exists in MotoGP, will also apply to the reigning champion, who will first choose a personal number before deciding whether to use it or display the reserved number 1.
The allocation process has already begun: earlier this week, the FIA contacted Formula 1 drivers to ask them to submit three choices, in order of preference, before Christmas. The organization has carefully avoided going through the teams to prevent them from influencing a choice that could prove definitive in a driver’s career. Once all the chosen numbers are known, the FIA will proceed with the allocation, ensuring that if two drivers have chosen the same number, priority is given to the higher-ranked driver.
The first choices unveiled
The introduction of permanent numbers, aside from the practical aspect allowing better recognition of drivers and the commercial aspect enabling teams and drivers to highlight what could become a [trademark], already provides an undeniable personal touch. While some drivers, like Daniel Ricciardo, have chosen to keep their choice to themselves, others have shared openly.
Among them, Nico Rosberg is currently the highest-ranked driver, having the sixth choice. The Mercedes driver has opted for, in order, numbers 6, 5, and 9. The number 6 holds particular significance in the Rosberg family as it was with this number that Keke Rosberg became the F1 world champion in 1982 driving a Williams.
On Felipe Massa’s side, who will have to wait for the 7 drivers ahead of him in the overall standings (excluding Mark Webber) to choose, he is hoping for number 19. While he hasn’t provided an explanation, it’s possible to think it’s a reference to the number he wore in Euro F3000 at the time of his championship win with the Draco Junior Team in 2001.
Sergio Pérez took advantage of the press conference following the announcement of his signing with Force India to indicate that his first choice was 11: “Since I was a child, I’ve always worn 11 in karting. In fact, my email address also has 11 in it. Many things are related to 11, so I identify with this number,” he stated on Thursday, December 12.
Later on Thursday, Jean-Eric Vergne revealed his three number choices. With 14 drivers set to be assigned a number before him, the Frenchman showed foresight on Twitter:
Hello! Bon une petite news: Pour le numéro en 2014 j’ai choisi le 25, 21 ou 27. A voir quels numéro sera dispo quand ce sera mon tour!
— Jean-Eric Vergne (@JeanEricVergne) 12 Décembre 2013
Number 25, if its significance is not known, could perhaps correspond to the birth date of JEV, which is April 25, 1990. The 27, on the other hand, could be a reference to the number worn by Jean Alesi – of whom Vergne is a big fan – when he drove for Scuderia Ferrari between 1992 and 1995.
The last driver to reveal one of his choices for 2014 is Valtteri Bottas. The Finn, who will begin his second season with Williams, seems to have been convinced by a suggestion from fans. Thus, he is considering taking the number 77, whose marketing impact would be obvious: VAL77ERI BO77AS.
Among the other drivers, little information has yet been leaked, although the strong ties between Fernando Alonso and the number 14 suggest that the Spaniard will likely choose this number. As for Kimi Räikkönen, rumors suggest that he might choose the number 7 to mark the year of his title, 2007. Daniil Kvyat has not clearly expressed a preference but retweeted the message: « 69 is the best! » To be continued, therefore.
