Formula 1 has been the highest level of motor racing since the first championship season in 1950. Over the years, the sport has created legends, unforgettable moments, and strong traditions. One such tradition involves driver numbers, small details that often carry deep meaning.
While most numbers on the F1 grid represent success and glory, one number stands apart for a very different reason. That number is 17.
The meaning behind F1 driver numbers
In modern Formula 1, drivers can choose a permanent racing number between 2 and 99. Once selected, that number stays with the driver throughout their career and becomes part of their identity. The only exception is number 1, which is reserved for the reigning World Champion.
Some numbers have become iconic because of the drivers who wore them. Sebastian Vettel made number 5 famous during his dominant championship years.
Fernando Alonso turned number 14 into a symbol of skill, resilience, and consistency. Even today, these numbers instantly remind fans of their achievements.
But not every number in Formula 1 history is linked to celebration.
What happened to number 17?
The last time number 17 was seen on a Formula 1 car was with French driver Jules Bianchi. During the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on a very wet day, Jules Bianchi crashed into a recovery vehicle while it was attending to the car of Adrian Sutil. Following this incident, he was transported to the hospital, where he was in a coma for approximately 9 months.
Sadly, on July 17th, 2015, Jules Bianchi passed away from injuries sustained in this incident. His death was a shock to the motorsport community and has become one of the darkest moments in F1 history.
Why did Formula 1 retire the Number 17?
Following Jules Bianchi’s death, F1 decided to permanently retire the number 17. This means that no driver will ever use number 17 in a Grand Prix again.
This retirement was made to show respect to Jules Bianchi and ensure that his memory and legacy will live on forever. Additionally, the retirement of number 17 is a very rare action in F1 and shows the extent to which the motorsport community grieved for the loss of such a young, talented driver.
Current Rules Around Driver Numbers
Today, drivers are free to choose any number from 2 to 99, except for 17. If a driver leaves the sport, their number must stay unused for at least two full seasons before it can be selected again by someone else.
These rules help maintain consistency on the grid while also preserving the history tied to certain numbers.
So, the absence of number 17 on the Formula 1 grid is not an accident or a rule without reason. It is a tribute. Every season, his absence quietly reminds fans and teams of Jules Bianchi and the impact he had on the sport.
