Formula 1 teams pushing for permanent numbers for drivers

[ScottB]

I really struggle to see how this will help with merch selling.

As it stands, the teams churn out new stuff every season. Obviously they will want to keep doing this, they aren't going to want a three year old Mclaren cap still being current, so why does a fixed number help them? Designing new team wear each year isn't going to be made cheaper by keeping a number the same, nor are the drivers themselves going to want to bring out, say a t shirt range but not refresh it every now and then.

I suppose the only option would be for the bigger names to establish a kind of brand, as Cristiano Ronaldo has his 'CR9' insignia, we might see Lewis Hamilton having an 'LH3' or something like that, but that's about the only thing I can think of that a fixed number brings that the current system doesn't.

I quite like the numbers reflecting the success angle, but so be it. Just don't see how the prime reason they seem to be giving is actually a reason at all!

[Sevach]

Rosberg called for 6 as his preffered choice, Perez reportedly wants 11.

And it's CR7 btw.

[gray41]

Rosberg 5 then 9 if Seb, Fernando, Lewis or Kimi picks 6.

[Gridlock]

I am looking for people with information to fill me in on the long term details, as I can imagine this may not be as simple as some have made it out...

It's the FIA - they'll work out the long-term details when they need to (ie after 2014) and not before. That would be far too foresighted.

[SilverArrow10]

I hope the numbers aren't just on the helmets and are big logos on the cars too, if your going to do it do it right!! Also I want Kimi to have 11 Perez sorry buddy.

[Sevach]

There will be no number-swapping yearly because that would defeat the whole purpose of what they are trying to do.
Only person that can change is the world champ. But that is because he has effectively two numbers rather then one.

The only kind of number swapping i would "endorse" is if someone retires i would be ok with an active driver taking his number.

Let's say Kimi picks the number 6 Rosberg wants, if Kimi retires in 2 seasons i think Rosberg should be allowed to claim that number if he still wants it.
Of course that goes for everyone that might want a number that previously belonged to retired drivers.

Letting drivers pick dropped numbers is also good for someone like Magnussen who is probably not gonna have what he wants...

[Jonnycraig]

I hope the numbers aren't just on the helmets and are big logos on the cars too, if your going to do it do it right!! Also I want Kimi to have 11 Perez sorry buddy.

Raikonnen will get a pick before Perez so if he wants #11 he'll get it.

[SectorOne]

The only kind of number swapping i would "endorse" is if someone retires i would be ok with an active driver taking his number.

I think you will only see rookies having the chance to choose an old number not in use anymore.

[gray41]

21, 25 and 27 for JEV who is 15th in line for his pick.

Sounds like everyone has had to submit 3 numbers they would like?

[gray41]

Id imagine under "special" circumstances drivers would be allowed to change, in the same way MotoGP riders can change.

Lorenzo was 48 the number of his manager, when he spilt from him he took on the 99 (not sure the reason behind, possibly due to it behind highest number possible).

[langwadt]

Rosberg called for 6 as his preffered choice, Perez reportedly wants 11.

And it's CR7 btw.

it is is both CR7 and CR9, 7 for Portugal and united, in Real 7 was taken so he got 9

[raymondu999]

I wonder if the world champion will race with two numbers on his car - Number 1 and his own number. ie next year, will we see Vettel with both the number 1 on his car, as well as his own identifier number?

[siskue2005]

no Vettel has to race with No.1 only....he can reserve his number now

"The only exception to this allocation process will be for the reigning world champion who will have the option to use the number one.

"The number that was previously allocated to him will be reserved for him in subsequent seasons if he does not retain the title of world champion."

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111841


i guess no one would choose No. 2

[raymondu999]

no Vettel has to race with No.1 only

No he doesn't. As per your quote:

"The only exception to this allocation process will be for the reigning world champion who will have the option to use the number one.

An option is not a must - it's a choice

[Sebp]

I'd like teams and drivers to show off their previous success on the car. Kind of like the real Team Lotus did with its laurel wreaths for example.