Lewis Hamilton has previously revealed that he sports the No. 44 on his car for sentimental reasons. The seven-time Formula One world champion has had the number since the sport introduced permanent digits on vehicles in 2014.
Hamilton had 44 on his cars during his pre-F1 career. Upon his F1 debut with McLaren, drivers’ numbers were decided based on their place in the Drivers’ Championship leaderboard.
That changed a decade ago when drivers were told they could pick their own numbers and keep them for their entire career. Hamilton chose No. 44 as it was recognisable to his fans and family.
“That’s the number we raced with for many years, and then when I joined Formula One, I had to be whatever the team asked me to be,” the soon-to-be Ferrari star told F1.com two years ago.
