The iconic No. 1 has a special place in McLaren's racing history, and its return to Lando Norris' car in 2026 is a significant moment for the team. But the story of the No. 1 goes back much further, with a rich tapestry of triumphs and tales from McLaren's 60-year journey. Let's take a closer look at the team's history with the lucrative number and the legends who have worn it with pride.
The Birth of a Legend: The No. 1's Debut
Before 1974, Formula 1's numbering system was a bit of a free-for-all, with race organizers deciding the starting numbers. For McLaren's very first Grand Prix in Monaco in 1966, Chris Amon was entered with the No. 1, alongside Bruce McLaren's No. 2. However, Amon's M2B wasn't ready in time, and only Bruce participated, meaning Amon's No. 1 never officially existed. The first time a McLaren car actually appeared with the No. 1 was at the 1968 South African Grand Prix, with Denny Hulme, the defending World Champion, sporting the number on his M7A for two of his race victories that year.
Emerson and James: The Early Champions
In 1974, McLaren clinched its first of 10 Constructors' Championships, and Emerson Fittipaldi ensured the double by taking on the No. 1 for 1975, the first season where the Champion could use the number exclusively. Emerson won the opening event in Argentina and added a second win in Britain, but missed out on another title. James Hunt took the No. 1 in 1977 after his epic title success the previous year, winning three Grands Prix with the number, including a memorable triumph on home turf in Britain.
Wattie's One-Off: A Non-Champion's Appearance
John Watson spent five seasons with McLaren between 1979 and 1983, claiming some memorable triumphs. But his last appearance in Formula 1, and for McLaren, came with the No. 1 on his car. John was drafted in to replace the injured defending Champion Niki Lauda for the European Grand Prix in 1985, and under the regulations at the time, he was assigned Niki's car, so he hopped into the No. 1 machine. John qualified in 21st place and rose up to seventh at the finish, on a day when Alain Prost clinched his first world title for McLaren.
Alain and Ayrton: The World Title Sweep
Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna's sweep of world titles in the late 1980s and early 1990s meant the No. 1 regularly appeared on McLaren machinery. Alain became the first McLaren driver to successfully defend a world title in 1986, sporting the No. 1 throughout his title-winning campaign, a feat that Ayrton replicated in 1991. Between them, Alain and Ayrton shared the No. 1 on McLaren cars for five seasons between 1986 and 1992, with Ayrton carrying the No. 1 for 48 Grands Prix, more than any other McLaren driver in history.
Mika Häkkinen: The Last Champion with the No. 1
Mika Häkkinen ran the No. 1 in 1999 and 2000 as the defending Champion, with his title triumph in 1999 being the last time a McLaren driver won a title with the No. 1. Three different McLaren drivers ran the No. 1 in 2007, 2009, and 2010, but only Lewis Hamilton, following his triumph in 2008, used the number after winning the World Championship for McLaren. It remains the only season in Lewis' career that he has run the No. 1 in Formula 1, having since opted to always retain his personal driver number, 44.
The No. 1's Legacy: A Number to Treasure
The No. 1 has a special place in McLaren's history, and its return to Lando Norris' car in 2026 is a significant moment for the team. The number has been worn by some of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history, and its legacy continues to inspire new generations of racers. As Lando takes on the No. 1, he joins a long line of legends, and the story of the No. 1 continues to evolve. But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think about Lando's choice of the No. 1? Do you agree or disagree with his decision? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
