According to current Formula 1 regulations, drivers must select a permanent race number that they will keep for their entire F1 career. These numbers become available only if a driver’s Formula 1 career is considered over, which is determined after two full seasons outside of the sport.

The number 12 became available in early 2019, following its use by Brazilian driver Felipe Nasr during his 2015 and 2016 seasons in Formula 1.

With several rookies joining Formula 1 next year, a unique situation emerged where both Alpine’s Jack Doohan and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli want to use the same number, #12.

Doohan recently announced on Instagram that he planned to race with the number 12 next season, shortly after signing his 2025 contract with Alpine.

“I’m pretty sure it’s quite known now. I will choose #12,” told the fans Doohan.

“Been thinking about it to be honest over the summer break and then we locked it in on Friday [23rd of August]. So 12 will be the number, I will start my Formula 1 season with,” he added.

However, Doohan and Alpine were unaware that Mercedes had already initiated the application process for Antonelli’s 2025 starting number, which is also #12.

That is why it now looks like, that Kimi Antonelli will be the one to steal the number 12 for himself and race with it on his car next season.

Yeah, I will take 12," Antonelli confirmed in Monza.

"I have many numbers that I like. But 12 is a special one, also because of an idol [Ayrton Senna]. I've been using it since F4. It always went well with 12. So, no reason to change it for next year,” he added.