For an athlete, the number is very important as it not only differentiates them from others but also creates an alternate identity. If take the example of Cristiano Ronaldo [CR7] or Lionel Messi [LM10] from soccer or Valentino Rossi [VR46] from MotoGP, their number plays a very important role in their recognition.
It is similar for drivers racing in Formula 1 as it signifies their unique identity and marks their cars. One such number is 44 and it belongs to Lewis Hamilton. The number is so popular that at times Hamilton is known as LH44.
But why 44? Why did the driver choose to go with 44 despite having so many different numbers? Well, the seven-time F1 world champion once explained his choice during an interview with Sky Sports.
When asked by a kid sitting next to him during Sky Sports’ Small Talk part 2, the Silver Arrows ace stated that it was because of his father, Anthony Hamilton.
The British driver said, “My dad chose number 44. 44 was on my dad’s car. He has a Vauxhall Cavalier and the number plate had 44 in it. So, he chose number 44,” the Silver Arrows maestro concluded.
Lewis Hamilton always chose 44 to be different
The seven-time world champion has always stood out above the rest. Known for his rebellious nature and activist persona, Hamilton is one of the best humans when it comes to off-track activities.
Following the resolution of the number 44 mystery, Hamilton revealed that he feels “It’s always good to be different” and that is why he has never used a different number.
Which drivers changed their numbers to number 1?
Admittedly, drivers changing their numbers and using the number 1 is quite common. Recently, the defending champion Max Verstappen has done it after winning the 2021 F1 world championship.
The Dutchman used the number 33 in his Red Bull until going for the change at the beginning of the 2022 F1 season. Since then the number 1 is still with him. The number will stay as long as he remains champion.
Before the Dutch pilot, it was used by Vettel back in 2014, when he won the 2013 F1 World championship. After that, it went unused for several seasons, until the two-time champion Verstappen decided to pick it up again.
