ABU DHABI, Dec 8 : Lando Norris recognised life would change as Formula One world champion, although he hoped to stay the same as a person, and an immediate sign was the decision made on Monday to race with the number one on his McLaren next season.

The 26-year-old told Reuters Television, a day after he clinched the title in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a three-way battle at Yas Marina, that he was setting aside his familiar number four.

“I actually had to decide today," said the Briton, standing on a hotel balcony with the bright lights of Yas Marina reflected on the water behind him.

"In a way, I wanted to keep number four, because I'm just happy with that and it goes well with my logo ... but I will go with number one, because I have to. I have to.

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