Lewis Hamilton has vowed to continue using #44 on his car next season despite earning the right to use #1 as Formula 1’s most recent champion.
As part of a rule change for the 2014 season, drivers were asked to choose a number between #2 and #99 which would remain with them for their F1 career.
However, the champion has the right to use #1 in place of their chosen number, as Sebastian Vettel did this year. He will use #5 next season with Ferrari after passing the crown to Hamilton.
Hamilton however says he will push Mercedes to let him continue using #44 on his car next season as it holds a lot of memories for the 29-year-old who won his first karting championship with the same number.
If successful, 2015 will be the first season since 1994 not to feature #1 after Damon Hill ran with #0 following the retirement of champion Nigel Mansell.
