• misery mansion@lemmy.world
    3 months

    Thought it was quite cringe when Max did it. Bit more cringe now but I can also see the appeal of taking it away from someone else… To be a dominant winner.

    The ultra cynical in me says it’s an opportunity to flog more merch with the new number… Won’t look as cool as the LN logo with the 4 though

    • FrostyTrichs@testing.crazypeople.online
      3 months

      In the article he says it’s for the mechanics and everyone on his side of the garage. It’s a small way to pay respect to them for all the hard work they contributed to the championship. I’d never thought about it that way but it seems like a sincere gesture.

    • Luvs2Spuj@lemmy.world
      3 months

      It used to be the done thing, then a bit of superstition but mostly the ability to sell merch meant it fell out of fashion. I would be happy to see it continue.

      • CaptDust@sh.itjust.works
        3 months

        Wellll Hamilton and Verstappen were the only ones with the opportunity to choose. Technically Rosberg too, but of course he retired.

        • Luvs2Spuj@lemmy.world
          3 months

          Out of choice, that’s probably correct. But it was the done thing to determine the driver numbers based on the previous years standings for decades.

        • Localhorst86@feddit.org
          3 months

          Don’t forget about Seb. He was the first person eligible to chose between their personal number and the Champions #1 for the 2014 season (and he went with #1).