Lewis Hamilton has admitted he “doesn’t like” the idea of running No.1 on his car despite displaying the number in Practice 1 in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
Since the system was introduced in 2014, the world champion has had the option to continue using their personal number or use the No.1.
Only Sebastian Vettel took the option to run the champion’s number before switching to the No.5 in 2015 but Hamilton has always maintained No.44 while Nico Rosberg didn’t stay around to have the choice.
“I personally don’t like it. [I] don’t like it at all, but, since we have been World Champions, we have never had the No.1 on the car so I thought it would just be cool,” the Briton said explaining the decision to add it on Friday afternoon.
“I remember the engineers and mechanics asking me at one time if I would ever do it.
“I thought it would be cool just to have it on the car for one session so at least they all have a picture somewhere that they can be really proud of that we were No.1.”
Hamilton has suggested though that his number is becoming as much of an omen for his side of the Mercedes team as it was for him.
“44 is my special number, and in fact, if you ask everyone in the team, or on my side of the garage in particular, they will say that they saw a bus, for instance, with the number 44,” he continued.
“Then they will see a flight number or seat number 44 so it is becoming a part of their lives which is exactly how it is with me, so that is cool.”
