Kimi Antonelli: Jayce Illman/Pro Star Pics
The 20-year-old revealed his decision in the aftermath of securing his maiden crown with a third place finish in the Mexican Grand Prix.
Antonelli has raced with #12 throughout his single-seater career, apart from his 2024 campaign in Formula 2.
The Italian’s preference means #1 will be absent from the F1 grid for the first time since 2021.
“I’ll stay with #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,” he said.
“I feel like by keeping #12 it allows me to have a new point where to start and build on everything again and try to improve.
“Also, to be honest, I’m very superstitious, and #1 has never been a good number for me.
“Whenever I put it [on], it went extremely badly, so one more reason to stay with #12.”
Antonelli’s triumph was the first world title for a driver sporting #12 since his idol Ayrton Senna in 1988.
The Italian revealed in Mexico City that he’ll wear a Senna tribute helmet at the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix.