Max Verstappen gave fans a first look at his new helmet for the 2022 season as he debuted the updated design alongside his new racing number – 1.
Verstappen revealed the helmet on Thursday last week, showing plenty of gold accents added to the usual white.
He also showed the Number 1 written on the back as he opted to switch out his old 33 to celebrate the 2021 championship title.
Speaking in a video posted to the Red Bull Racing social media pages, Verstappen said: “I also asked for a little star on the back, for my championship win.
“With all the small upgrades and the gold, I think my 2022 helmet looks cool!”
Going gold in 2022 ⭐️ The champion has a shiny new lid for this season 🤩 @Max33Verstappen 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/2Ux7bM37Fi
— Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) January 27, 2022
According to Formula One rules, since 2014, the reigning champion is allowed to race with the number 1 on his car – or stick with his existing number.
Hamilton, who has won seven world titles so far in his career, has always chosen to stick with his number 44 – excluding running #1 at the 2018 Abu Dhabi practice session – but Verstappen has decided to take his chance in using the 1.
Speaking after being crowned the 2021 world champion, the Dutchman said: “How many times can you do that?
“Maybe it’s the only time I can in my life. I think it’s the best number out there, so I will put it on the car!”