Ricciardo Reveals When Verstappen Asked for the Number 3
Daniel Ricciardo disclosed that Max Verstappen requested permission to switch to the number 3 during the 2025 United States Grand Prix, allowing the Dutchman to bypass the standard two-year waiting period for retired numbers.
Max Verstappen is set to race with the number 3 starting in 2026, a move made possible by Daniel Ricciardo's blessing. The Red Bull driver approached his former teammate during the 2025 US Grand Prix in Austin to request the number, which Ricciardo had used throughout his F1 career.
Why it matters:
This switch marks a significant moment in F1 history, as it is the first time a driver has changed their permanent number since the system was introduced in 2014. The gesture highlights the mutual respect between the two drivers, who famously partnered at Red Bull during Verstappen's early years. For fans, it creates a nostalgic link and adds a layer of personal history to Verstappen's new identity on the grid.
The details:
- Regulatory Hurdle: Under standard FIA regulations, a driver's number is reserved for two full seasons after their final race. Since Ricciardo retired after the 2024 Singapore GP, the number 3 was technically locked until 2027.
- The Conversation: Ricciardo revealed that the conversation took place in Austin. "He mentioned that he wanted to take the number three... I was very, very happy to say yes because otherwise he would have had to wait one more year," Ricciardo explained.
- Rule Change: A recent adjustment to sporting regulations allowed drivers to alter their permanent numbers, paving the way for this unique transition. Without this change, Verstappen would have reverted to his original permanent number, #33.
What's next:
Verstappen will debut the #3 livery in the 2026 season, symbolizing a fresh chapter for the champion while honoring the legacy of his former teammate.