Formula 1 is set for a subtle but significant shake-up in 2026, with the sport approving a major change to its long-standing driver-number regulations during the final F1 Commission meeting of 2025.

The meeting, held this week at the FIA’s London headquarters, covered a wide range of topics as the sport prepares for its next regulations era.

In the past, these quarterly Commission meetings have revealed key insights into F1’s rapid global growth, including earlier reports that the fan base has surged to 827 million, with younger audiences flocking to the championship.

But the headline development this time? Drivers will soon be allowed to change their career race numbers.

In discussions on 14 November, the Commission formally agreed to update the regulations governing permanent driver

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