Max Verstappen to race with his favourite number next season in F1
Verstappen opted for 33 when he began his career in 2015
Max Verstappen is set to race with his favourite number on his car in Formula 1 next season.
The Red Bull star confirmed that his former teammate Daniel Ricciardo has permitted him, and will now switch to No. 3 in 2026.
Since 2014, drivers have been allowed to choose the number they want to wear during their racing career, and Verstappen opted for 33 when he began his career in 2015.
The No. 1 has always been reserved for the defending champion in F1, and Verstappen has been wearing that since 2022 after winning his first of four titles in 2021, but now it will be given to the current champion, McLaren’s Lando Norris, who defeated the four-time champion by just two points.
When Verstappen started his F1 career with Toro Rosso in 2015, Ricciardo had the No. 3, so the Dutchman went with No. 33. The two were also teammates with Red Bull from 2016-18.
Rules state that a number must be out of F1 for two years, after which it can be given to another driver if he requests. Ricciardo retired in 2024 after racing for Red Bull's sister team RB for the last time and has now permitted Verstappen to use the number 3.
"My favorite number has always been 3, apart from No. 1. We can now swap, so it'll be No. 3," Verstappen told Viaplay, via Formula1.com.
"No. 33 was always fine, but I just like one 3 better than two. I always said it represented double luck, but I've already had my luck in Formula 1."
The FIA also approved Verstappen's switch, as there are no other requests from the drivers for a change of number for 2026.
Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad has chosen to join the grid with No. 41.
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