What being number 1 means
In Formula 1, every team has two drivers, but they are rarely treated equally. The number 1 driver is the one who receives priority in strategy calls, car development, and team resources. This does not mean the number 2 driver is unimportant — it means the team has decided that one driver has the best chance of winning the championship.
How teams decide
Teams decide their number 1 driver based on several factors: championship position, consistency, feedback quality, commercial value, and the driver's contract. Sometimes the decision is explicit — the team tells both drivers who is number 1. More often, it is implicit — revealed through strategy calls and resource allocation.
The tension between teammates
The number 1 driver system creates inherent tension. The number 2 driver is a professional racer who wants to win, but they are expected to support their teammate's championship bid. This tension can produce some of the most compelling drama in F1.
When the system works — as it did with Hamilton and Rosberg at Mercedes in their early years — both drivers benefit from the team's focus. When it breaks down — as it did with Vettel and Webber at Red Bull — the team's championship prospects suffer.
The 2026 situation
In 2026, Mercedes has made Antonelli their clear number 1 driver, with Russell in a supporting role. This has created one of the most interesting teammate dynamics on the grid. Russell, a race winner in his own right, must balance his own ambitions with the team's championship strategy.