Ricciardo reacts to seeing his old number '3' on Verstappen's cap
A video from a Red Bull event captures Daniel Ricciardo's amused reaction to seeing Max Verstappen wearing a cap with his old number '3'. Verstappen had secured Ricciardo's permission to use the number after losing the 2025 championship, formalizing a friendly gesture between the former teammates.
A newly surfaced video shows Daniel Ricciardo's genuine reaction upon noticing his former race number '3' on Max Verstappen's cap at a recent event. The moment highlights the friendly dynamic between the ex-teammates and formalizes the number's transfer, which Verstappen secured after losing the 2025 championship to Lando Norris.
Why it matters:
The exchange of a race number between two high-profile drivers, especially former teammates with a storied history, is a rare and symbolic gesture in F1. It underscores a personal connection beyond the track and provides a tangible link between Ricciardo's past and Verstappen's future, resonating with fans who followed their time together at Red Bull.
The details:
- The interaction occurred at Red Bull's Ford launch event in Detroit last month, where Verstappen attended as a driver and Ricciardo as a new Ford ambassador.
- In the video, Verstappen taps Ricciardo on the shoulder, they share a hug, and exchange playful banter before Ricciardo spots the number on the cap and remarks, "C'est magnifique."
- The number transfer was initiated by Verstappen himself. He approached Ricciardo at the 2025 United States Grand Prix to ask for permission to use the number '3' if he lost the championship.
- Ricciardo, having last raced in September 2024, still held the rights to the number. He agreed, allowing Verstappen to adopt it immediately for the 2026 season instead of waiting an additional year.
- Verstappen's request came when he was trailing in the 2025 title fight. Although he won the final three races, he fell two points short of champion Lando Norris, forcing him to relinquish the number '1'.
What's next:
The number '3' will now adorn Verstappen's car and cap for the 2026 F1 season, serving as a constant, subtle reminder of the 2025 title he narrowly lost and the friendly pact with his former teammate. For Ricciardo, it marks a symbolic passing of the torch, closing a chapter on his full-time racing career while maintaining a visible connection to the sport through a champion.