Verstappen Reclaims Winning Number 3 for 2026 F1 Season
Max Verstappen will switch to race number 3 for the 2026 season, a digit he previously won with in junior formulas. The change, made possible by Daniel Ricciardo's departure, marks a new chapter for the four-time champion.
Max Verstappen is set to switch to the number 3 for the 2026 F1 season, a choice rooted in both childhood preference and a history of winning with the digit. The Dutchman previously raced to victory with number 3 during his early single-seater career, before making his F1 debut where the number was occupied by his then-teammate.
Why it matters:
A driver's race number becomes an integral part of their identity and brand, as seen with Lewis Hamilton (44) and Fernando Alonso (14). For Verstappen, reclaiming a number associated with his early success creates a symbolic link between his dominant present and his promising past as he heads into a new regulatory era in 2026.
The details:
- Junior Success: In the 2014 Florida Winter Series, a pre-F1 Verstappen used the number 3 to secure two victories and three additional podium finishes, showcasing his talent on American soil.
- The Ricciardo Block: The number was unavailable for his F1 debut as it was already claimed by his then-Toro Rosso teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. With Ricciardo's departure from the Red Bull family, the digit is now free.
- Personal Preference: Beyond his winning record, Verstappen has a simple reason for his fondness of the number. He previously explained, "It's the shape of the number that I liked when I was a kid."
What's next:
The number change will officially take effect for the 2026 season, which also introduces a new set of technical regulations featuring new power units. For Verstappen, adopting his old winning number marks a symbolic start to this next era of his career as he aims to continue his dominance amidst a potentially shifting competitive landscape.