Three Drivers to Race with New Numbers in 2026 F1 Season

Three drivers will race with new permanent numbers in 2026, with Lando Norris set to carry the coveted number 1 as the reigning world champion. Max Verstappen will switch to number 3, and rookie Arvid Lindblad has selected 41, while all other drivers on the grid will retain their current numbers for the upcoming season.

Why it matters:

Starting numbers are a key part of a driver's identity in Formula 1. The number 1, reserved for the reigning champion, is a symbol of ultimate success that has been absent from the grid since 2021. Norris's use of it marks a significant moment for McLaren and signifies a potential shift in the sport's competitive hierarchy. The stability for other drivers provides continuity for fans and teams alike.

The details:

The 2026 season introduces a new regulation allowing drivers to change their permanent numbers, a rule Max Verstappen is utilizing.

• Lando Norris (#1): As the 2025 world champion, Norris will exercise his right to run the number 1, replacing his familiar #4. This will be the first time the number has been used since Max Verstappen last carried it in 2021.
• Max Verstappen (#3): After a dominant championship run, Verstappen will relinquish the number 1 and return to his original permanent number, 3. This is the number under which he won his first title in 2021.
• Arvid Lindblad (#41): The British rookie, making his debut with Racing Bulls, has informed the FIA of his chosen number: 41.
• Full Grid Stability: Every other driver on the 2026 entry list will retain the starting number they used in the 2025 season, ensuring widespread familiarity.

The big picture:

The confirmation of the 2026 entry list and numbers offers a clear snapshot of the sport's future landscape. It solidifies driver line-ups ahead of a major regulatory change, with Norris's champion status and Verstappen's number switch being the most notable narratives. The list also confirms the arrival of the highly-touted rookie Arvid Lindblad, marking the next step in his career.

What's next:

The focus now shifts entirely to the track, as teams prepare their 2026 challengers under new technical regulations. The numbers on the cars will tell a story of past achievements and fresh beginnings when the season gets underway.