Kimi Antonelli is the first F1 driver to win a championship with number 12 since the late Brazilian world champion Ayrton Senna won his first title with McLaren in 1988. (EPA Images pic)MEXICO CITY: Kimi Antonelli will not have the number one on his car next year out of superstition and humility, the 20-year-old Italian explained after becoming Formula One's youngest champion on Sunday.

The Mercedes driver took the title in Mexico City with racing number 12 on his car and he will keep that when he starts his reign.

"I'll stay with number 12 because, obviously, it's a very special number for me, but also it's a way for me to stay grounded, to stay humble," said the first Italian champion in 73 years.