Verstappen Reveals 'Naughty' Race Number Preference for F1

Max Verstappen revealed he initially preferred a more "naughty" race number, 69, for his Formula 1 career, a choice his father, Jos Verstappen, advised against. While he currently uses 33, and number 3 remains his favorite, Verstappen's playful remarks shed light on his personality and an intriguing 'what if' scenario regarding F1 car numbers. The reigning champion's original pick highlights a quirky side beyond his fierce competitiveness.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's choice of number, or lack thereof, adds a layer of personality to one of F1's most dominant drivers. While seemingly a trivial detail, a driver's chosen number becomes a core part of their brand and identity within the sport. This anecdote offers a rare glimpse into a more lighthearted side of Verstappen, contrasting with his usual stoic public persona, and underscores how personal preferences, even quirky ones, play a role in a driver's journey.

The details:

• Verstappen initially wanted to race with number 69, but his father, Jos Verstappen, "said: That's not a good idea." This suggests a parental influence guiding a young driver's public image from the outset.
• He humorously noted the marketing advantages of 69: "That number always appears the same way, no matter how you're driving! So 69 would be very good for photos and marketing. And the same goes for the caps. It doesn't matter how you wear them, it's still 69. In that sense, it's a good marketing tool."
• Verstappen's current race number is 33 because his preferred number, 3, was already taken by Daniel Ricciardo when he debuted in F1 in 2015.
• Another number he found appealing, 27, is used by Nico Hülkenberg. Verstappen likes the aesthetic combination of the digits 2 and 7.
• The rules state that a driver loses their claim to a number after two years out of the sport. Daniel Ricciardo has been out for only 18 months, meaning number 3 is still technically reserved for him.

What's next:

• Discussions are reportedly underway between the FIA and F1 regarding a potential rule change concerning the reclaiming of race numbers, which could impact whether number 3 becomes available to Verstappen in 2026.
• While Verstappen remains dominant with 33, the ongoing conversation around driver numbers highlights the blend of personal branding, tradition, and regulatory nuances within Formula 1. Whether he ever gets his hands on number 3, or even a 'naughty' alternative, remains to be seen, but it's clear his numbering preferences are more than just an arbitrary choice.