Max Verstappen to Race with Number 3 in 2026

Max Verstappen will officially race with the number 3 in the 2026 Formula 1 season, as revealed by signage at his pit box during a GT test in Portugal. The switch comes after relinquishing the number 1 following his final championship title defense and required a special arrangement with former number holder Daniel Ricciardo to bypass the standard waiting period.

Why it matters:

A driver's permanent number is a key part of their identity in modern F1. Verstappen's adoption of number 3, his long-stated favorite, marks a significant personal and professional shift as he enters a new era without the champion's number 1. The move also highlights the intricate, often overlooked administrative rules that govern even the simplest aspects of the sport.

The details:

• Verstappen had to give up the number 1 after the 2025 season, as he is no longer the reigning world champion.
• His previous permanent number, 33, was also not an option for 2026, as he had previously indicated a desire for a change.
• The number 3 was technically unavailable under FIA regulations, which impose a two-year waiting period after a driver leaves the sport before their number can be reused. Daniel Ricciardo, the last holder of number 3, only departed F1 in September 2024.
• A procedural workaround was found: the FIA confirmed that if a former driver voluntarily relinquishes their rights to a number, the waiting period is waived. Ricciardo's team agreed to this arrangement, clearing the path for Verstappen.

What's next:

The FIA is set to publish the official 2026 entry list on December 20, which will provide formal confirmation of Verstappen's number switch. For the three-time world champion, driving with his favored number 3 from 2026 onward symbolizes a fresh chapter as he aims to add to his legacy with a new personal identifier on his car.