Verstappen Eyes New Number for 2026, Ferrari Drivers Respond to Elkann

Max Verstappen might be racing with a different number in the 2026 F1 season, potentially switching from his long-standing '33' to '3' if he isn't defending a title. Meanwhile, Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are navigating the fallout from executive John Elkann's pointed comments after their double DNF in Brazil.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's Number Change: For a driver as iconic as Verstappen, a change in race number (from '33' to '3') in 2026 holds symbolic significance. While he's used '1' as reigning champion, reverting to a non-champion number opens up a choice, and '3' has personal meaning for him.
• Ferrari's Internal Dynamics: John Elkann's public criticism of Ferrari drivers following the Brazil DNF could impact team morale and driver focus. How Leclerc and Sainz respond to such remarks will be crucial for the team's cohesion and performance in the remaining races and heading into next season.

The details:

• Verstappen's Number Choice: Verstappen has confirmed he needs approval to switch to number '3' for 2026, telling De Telegraaf, "I do indeed need to get approval, so it’s a good question which number I’ll be using next year." This choice would only be available if he's not the reigning champion, allowing him to use a personal number instead of '1'.
  • Significance of '3': Verstappen previously used '3' in his junior racing career before entering F1 and choosing '33'. The number '3' also has historical significance in F1, notably associated with three-time world champion Ayrton Senna early in his career.
• Elkann's Controversial Comments: Following Ferrari's disappointing double DNF at Interlagos, John Elkann stated, "We have drivers who need to focus on driving and talk less. We still have important races ahead, and securing second place in the Constructors’ Championship isn’t impossible."
• Driver Reactions: Both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton (who was also asked about the comments, likely due to his close ties and potential future influence in F1) were questioned about Elkann's remarks. While specific responses aren't detailed here, the context suggests they had to address the criticism.

The big picture:

Verstappen's potential number change is a minor but interesting storyline, reflecting a personal preference within the sport's regulations. More critically, the public comments from Ferrari's top executive highlight ongoing pressure and scrutiny within the team. Such internal dynamics can significantly impact performance, especially as Ferrari fights for second in the Constructors' Championship against Mercedes, and looks to build a more stable foundation for future title challenges. The balance between driver performance and management expectations will be key.

What's next:

As the F1 grid heads to Las Vegas, attention will be on how Verstappen performs and if any further details emerge about his 2026 number choice. For Ferrari, the focus will be on their performance on track and how the drivers handle the external pressure following Elkann's comments, particularly with the Constructors' Championship runner-up spot still on the line. The team's ability to demonstrate unity and focus will be critical in these final races.