Verstappen jokes about 'Hangover 4' with Ricciardo, claims iconic number 3

Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo proved their enduring chemistry remains intact despite no longer being teammates, sharing a laugh during a recent Red Bull and Ford video shoot. While filming alongside junior driver Arvid Lindblad, Ricciardo invited the Dutch champion to his hotel room to watch a movie. Verstappen responded with a hilarious counter-proposal, jokingly suggesting they should instead "create The Hangover 4," referencing the infamous comedy about a chaotic bachelor party.

Why it matters:

The interaction highlights the unique bond between the two drivers, which continues to entertain fans even after their partnership ended. Furthermore, Verstappen's confirmation of his car number for the upcoming season signals a significant shift. Having lost the title to Lando Norris, he can no longer use the number 1 and has chosen a digit deeply connected to his former teammate's legacy.

The details:

• Ford Collaboration: The video shoot featured Verstappen and Lindblad testing a range of Ford vehicles, from classics to modern models, with Ricciardo overseeing the event in his role as a brand ambassador.
• Off-Track Banter: The behind-the-scenes clip showcased the lighthearted dynamic between the drivers, with Verstappen's "Hangover" joke drawing immediate parallels to the wild antics of the movie series.
• Number 3 Legacy: Verstappen revealed he will switch to number 3 for the new season. This number was famously worn by Ricciardo during his successful Red Bull stint from 2014 to 2018 and has become one of the most recognizable numbers in the sport.
• Championship Context: The change comes after Verstappen lost the drivers' championship this year, meaning he forfeits the right to display the number 1 plate on his car.

Looking Ahead:

As the grid prepares for the new season, Verstappen's adoption of the number 3 marks a fresh start for the champion. Fans will undoubtedly be watching to see if the "Hangover 4" joke ever materializes into more content between the two popular drivers.