Lewis Hamilton has received permission to race with #1 on his Mercedes Formula 1ꦿ car for the final race of the 2018 season in Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton was crowned F1 world champion for a fifth time at the Mexican Grand Prix in October, whi𝓡le Mercedes clinched its fifth straight constructors’ title one race later in Brazil.

The use of #1 on cars is reserved for the defending champion should they wish, but Hamilton has preferred to 🍌retain his traditional number, #44.

However, #1 will make a returnꦬ to F1 in Abu Dhabi this weekend after Hamilton was given permission by the FIA to run with it on the nose of his Mercedes W09 car.

“It is car 44 on the entry list and timing screಌens and races under this number - the number is still present on the engine cover,” Mercedes confirmed.