Force India name disappears as FIA publishes 2019 entry list, driver numbers

The FIA has published the 2019 Formula 1 entry list, with the Force India name disappearing, and several driver numbers confirmed.

The biggest change is that the Force India name drops out of the sport after a decade-long existence, following Racing Point UK Limited's takeover of the Silverstone-based operation mid-2018.

The team, which retained the Force India identity for the second half of 2018, is currently entered for 2019 under the ‘Racing Point F1 Team’ name, with the chassis officially designated ‘Racing Point’.

This is likely to be an interim solution while a long-term name change is decided upon, with a proposal set to be submitted to the FIA's World Motor Sport Council next week.

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Elsewhere Ferrari is officially entered as ‘Scuderia Ferrari Mission Winnow’ – following long-term sponsor Philip Morris International’s new initiative – while Haas is entered as ‘Rich Energy Haas F1 Team’, following its association with the energy drink company.

Williams, meanwhile, reverts to ‘Williams Racing’, in the wake of its five-year partnership with Martini coming to a close.

The entry list also confirms the numbers of several new and returning drivers.

McLaren rookie Lando Norris has taken #4, which was last used by Max Chilton in 2014.

Williams youngster George Russell will use the #63 that he has previously sported during testing, while team-mate Robert Kubica will adopt #88, previously used by Rio Haryanto in 2016.

Sauber’s Antonio Giovinazzi has opted for #99, last used by Adrian Sutil four years ago, while Toro Rosso debutant Alexander Albon has yet to decide on a number.