Max Verstappen to use #3 as his F1 race number from 2026
Max Verstappen will switch his permanent F1 race number to 3 starting in 2026, finally securing his long-preferred digit after a rule change and Daniel Ricciardo's approval. He moves on from the number 33, used for his first title, and the champion's number 1, which now belongs to Lando Norris.
Max Verstappen will race with the number 3 on his Red Bull from the 2026 Formula 1 season, opting for his preferred single digit over the double 33 he has used for most of his career. The change comes after he lost the 2025 drivers' title to Lando Norris, who will now use the champion's number 1, and follows a rule change by the F1 Commission that allows drivers to switch their permanent numbers.
Why it matters:
A driver's race number becomes a key part of their identity in modern F1, and Verstappen's switch marks a symbolic fresh start after a period of dominance ended. The move also highlights a significant, if subtle, shift in F1's regulations regarding number ownership and driver choice, giving competitors more flexibility with their personal branding.
The details:
- Verstappen's favorite number has always been 3, but it was unavailable when he entered F1 as it was held by Daniel Ricciardo.
- He instead chose 33, which he framed as "double the luck," and used it from his 2015 debut through his first world championship win in 2021.
- As the reigning champion from 2022 to 2025, he was required to use the number 1.
- The F1 Commission has introduced new rules allowing drivers to change their permanent numbers and permitting outgoing drivers to waive their two-year rights to a number early, which allowed Ricciardo to release the number 3 for Verstappen's use.
The big picture:
While a number change may seem minor, it underscores Verstappen's new chapter. After four consecutive titles and 71 wins with numbers 33 and 1, adopting number 3 is a personal choice signaling a move past his recent championship defeat. Historically, the number 3 has had limited success in F1, only carrying Jacques Villeneuve (1997) and Michael Schumacher (2000) to titles since permanent numbers were introduced, adding an intriguing narrative layer to Verstappen's quest to return to the top.
What's next:
Verstappen will carry the number 3 into the 2026 season as he aims to reclaim the championship from Norris. The regulatory change that facilitated this switch may lead to more driver number changes in the coming seasons as competitors seek fresh identities or their preferred digits become available.