The new year has begun, and in the month of January, we continue our now classic column “Start Number,” this time focusing on Lewis Hamilton’s unique choice of number 44, a decision influenced by his karting success and a license plate.
After winning his first Formula 1 world title in 2021, Max Verstappen didn’t have to think long about the start number he would use. From then on, the ‘1’ would adorn his car, he said. According to the Dutchman, this number is fitting for a champion, and he sees the privilege of racing with it as something special. Therefore, he traded in his number 33, and due to his four consecutive championships, he has since been racing with the number 1.
The situation is quite different for Lewis Hamilton and his start number. The Brit could have also chosen to race with number 1 after a free choice of numbers was introduced in 2014. Sebastian Vettel, for instance, did so that year as the champion of the previous season. Hamilton could have done the same in 2015. However, he opted for start number 44.
’44 is Mine’
“Anyone who becomes a champion can choose number 1. But for me, it’s not relevant, because 44 means more to me than 1,” Lewis Hamilton once stated in the media regarding his starting number. “I’ve had that number since I started, I won my first kart championship with 44. All champions have had number 1, but no one 44. Only me. So that’s my number.”
Another interesting detail: the choice for 44 in his younger years had everything to do with his father’s car license plate. It had 44 on it, and a young Lewis Hamilton reportedly thought it was a great number to also honor and thank his father for his support and guidance.
