Formula 1 teams pushing for permanent numbers for drivers

[SectorOne]

What if Schumacher choose number 1, and then retired. Would somebody else be allowed to have number 1 ? What happens when Schumacher comes back ?

Yes i can´t see why anyone could not use his number if he´s retired.
However i don´t think the current generation would because of how much he accomplished in Formula One.
Even if someone did and Schumi came back, well tough luck, should have not retired in the first place.

As Trocola say, for example in MotoGP, Marc Marquez will be able to choose whether to stay with 93 or use 1.

[Sevach]

Going back to teams keeping the same numbers season after season might be a nice compromise...

[Tim.Wright]

At the rate that pay drivers are coming and going at the moment, it would probably be a good idea to start using scientific notation to ensure the driver's numbers will still fit on the car in a few years.

[CMSMJ1]

The only way it works in MotoGP is that the riders have a number they picked when they first started racing - I was #136 - They then keep this number (as much as they can) throughout their career. It is not a if they just pick one from the ether.

You would have to change all the numberings in all of the categories to make this work.

It is a daft idea.

[SectorOne]

At the rate that pay drivers are coming and going at the moment, it would probably be a good idea to start using scientific notation to ensure the driver's numbers will still fit on the car in a few years.

Good news is there are only 24 seats and all of them could choose between 110 numbers or so.
(if you count 01 and 1 as two separate numbers, otherwise 100 different variations)

You would have to change all the numberings in all of the categories to make this work.

How so? To get acquainted with a particular number/driver years before they reach MotoGP?

[krisfx]

The only way it works in MotoGP is that the riders have a number they picked when they first started racing - I was #136 - They then keep this number (as much as they can) throughout their career. It is not a if they just pick one from the ether.

You would have to change all the numberings in all of the categories to make this work.

It is a daft idea.

You already choose your own number in stuff like karting, unless you're seeded, ie top 10 in super one. They would only really need to change GP2 and GP3, it isn't that bad. Not that I disagree with it being a stupid idea, I also don't like the personal numbers. I don't have a reason really, I just prefer the seeded approach that they use now.

[flattyre]

I'm quite surprised at all of the negative reactions towards this. I thought it was something that most people would've liked? The current system just doesn't do it for me - I have to stop and think about what the car numbers are below 1 and 2, because I tend not to follow the championships that closely. I know vaguely where each team stands, but I could rarely tell you exactly what position they're in. When it comes to the cars below 8... I probably wouldn't even get it right. I don't know a single person that refers to the car numbers anymore - it's almost like they stopped being important about 20 years ago, but they're still there just for the sake of having at least SOME numbers on the car. This proposed system makes the numbers have a meaning again. And, if you don't like it, then I'm sure it wouldn't bother you at all, because the system being used currently has got to be one of the most anonymous number systems I can think of!

[antiuser]

I'd prefer the old system where the teams have fixed numbers and 1/2 goes to the current WDC's team. I would also love it if numbers were more visible on the cars.

[fritticaldi]

27 will be hot I suspect

[gray41]

Lewis number 22 please.

I read somewhere else that last years championship standings will be the order they get their pick.

[Lycoming]

I wonder if anybody's immature enough to go for 69.

I hope so.

[Daliracing]

i was thinking about who will pick out number 2. in my opinion its a nice number because many great drivers drove with this number like: Senna, Prost, Villeneuve,... maybe no one is going to take it because it also refer to the number 2 driver

[Tim.Wright]

Do the numbers have to be positive, real, rational integers?

[gridwalker]

As a life-long Douglas Adams fan, whoever picks 42 will have my instant support

[Daliracing]

would the WDC of 2013 ( Vettel ) also have to choose his number? because he gets number 1