Verstappen Nears Number 3 for 2026, Wolff Plans Mercedes Customer Reduction

Max Verstappen is on the verge of securing his preferred number three for the 2026 Formula 1 season following the FIA's finalization of new race number regulations. Concurrently, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has announced a strategic review that will see the manufacturer reduce its number of customer teams, potentially impacting McLaren, Williams, and Alpine.

Why it matters:

These developments signal significant shifts in F1's operational landscape. Verstappen's potential number change marks a personal and symbolic move as he adapts to a post-championship era, while Mercedes' decision to scale back its engine supply could reshape team alliances and competitive dynamics for the next regulatory cycle, concentrating resources for the works team.

The Details:

• Verstappen's Number Pursuit: The FIA has confirmed to GPblog that new rules allowing drivers to change their race numbers during their careers are now finalized. This paves the way for Verstappen to switch from the number one (reserved for the reigning champion) to number three, having previously ruled out a return to his original number 33.
• Mercedes' Customer Strategy: Toto Wolff stated on the Beyond the Grid podcast that Mercedes, in consultation with CEO Ola Källenius, intends to reduce the number of teams it supplies with power units. Wolff identified "between two and three" customer teams as the ideal number, down from the three slated for 2026 (McLaren, Williams, Alpine).
• McLaren's Social Media Spotlight: Despite a dominant 2025 season winning both championships, McLaren faced criticism from Hollywood actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan (The Walking Dead), who launched a fiery social media rant directed at CEO Zak Brown.

What's next:

The finalized number rules will be formally implemented for the 2026 season, allowing Verstappen to finalize his choice. Meanwhile, Mercedes' review will determine which customer teams retain their engine supply agreements, a decision with major financial and technical implications for the affected squads. These moves highlight the ongoing strategic adjustments teams are making ahead of the 2026 regulation overhaul.