Verstappen Chooses Childhood Favorite Number 3 for 2026

Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen will trade his number 1 for the number 3 starting in the 2026 season. The change comes after narrowly losing the 2025 drivers' title to Lando Norris, with Verstappen finally able to use the number he has favored since childhood. He explained that the simple shape of the number 3 has always appealed to him, a choice he was denied when he entered Formula 1 in 2015.

Why it matters:

• The switch from the number 1 is a symbolic shift following his first title loss since 2021, signaling a new chapter for the Red Bull driver as he relinquishes the champion's number.
• It offers a rare personal insight into Verstappen's motivations beyond pure competition, connecting him to the sport's rich history through a nostalgic choice.
• The number 3 is historically significant, having been carried to three world championships by legendary drivers, adding a layer of intrigue to his decision.

The details:

• Original Choice: Verstappen stated that number 3 would have been his first pick upon his F1 debut in 2015, but it was unavailable at the time.
• "Double Luck": Forced to pick an alternative, he settled on 33, which he famously described as "double luck."
• Childhood Reason: In a team video, Verstappen explained his preference: "It's the shape of the number that I liked when I was a kid, #3."
• Historical Precedent: Three drivers have won the F1 World Championship using the number 3:
  • Graham Hill (1962)
  • Jacques Villeneuve (1997)
  • Michael Schumacher (2000)

What's next:

Verstappen will begin the 2026 season, which features significant new technical regulations, with a fresh identity on his car. The change comes as former champion Jacques Villeneuve suggested Verstappen has the talent to break Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton's record of seven world titles if he remains motivated. All eyes will be on whether the nostalgic number 3 can bring Verstappen a fifth championship in this new era of Formula 1.