With Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s new contract, three rookies will be on the grid in 2025. Alongside the 18-year-old Italian, Oliver Bearman and Jack Doohan will also make their debut. Bearman signed a contract with Haas early on, and Doohan will be driving for Alpine next year. Doohan and Antonelli already seem to be in a rivalry – both want to race with number 12.
Jack Doohan, who signed with Alpine ahead of the race weekend in Zandvoort, recently shared on Instagram that he hopes to race with number 12. “I think it’s generally known, but I’m going for 12 anyway,” he said. “During the summer break, I was able to think about it and now it’s almost certain: I’m starting my Formula 1 season with number 12.”
Mercedes’ Early Request for Racing Number 12
However, Mercedes has reportedly already made an early request for racing number 12. Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Italian prodigy who will be driving for Mercedes from 2025, is also hoping to race with this number. During his free practice session at Monza, the number was already displayed on the nose of his car.
‘Number 12 Remains Special’
“Yes, I’m going for 12,” Antonelli told the Italian press today. “There are plenty of numbers I like, but number 12 is extra special to me. Of course, this has everything to do with my idol,” he referred to Ayrton Senna, who raced with number 12 at McLaren between 1985 and 1988. “I’ve been racing with this number since F4 and so far it’s always gone well. I see no reason to change it.” Reportedly, Antonelli will eventually get his way; Mercedes is said to have made the first request and the FIA operates on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.
