Verstappen Mulls New Car Number After Losing No. 1 to Norris

Max Verstappen faces an unexpected symbolic shift after losing the Formula 1 world championship to Lando Norris by just two points, forcing him to abandon the No. 1 on his car for the first time since 2020. The Red Bull driver confirmed he's actively considering alternatives for 2026, cryptically stating: "Probably not 33. I'm still thinking about it."

Why it matters:

Losing the No. 1 carries rare psychological weight for a dominant champion – Verstappen had worn it through four consecutive titles. His number dilemma underscores how Norris' narrow victory disrupted F1's established hierarchy, marking McLaren's first drivers' crown since 2012 and ending Red Bull's stranglehold on the sport.

The details:

• Verstappen clinched Sunday's race but needed Norris to finish outside the top three – the Brit held his nerve with a crucial third-place finish at Yas Marina.
• The Dutchman's remarkable post-summer resurgence nearly erased a 60-point deficit after Zandvoort, winning 8 of 10 races while McLaren maintained relentless consistency.
• Team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the razor-thin margin: "Two points. That's the difference between immortality and second place in this sport."
• Strategic gamble: Many expected Verstappen to deliberately slow the field to disrupt McLaren's strategy, but he maintained aggressive pace – a decision that ultimately cost him the title when Norris secured enough points.
• Marko's praise: Helmut Marko called Verstappen "super" but admitted Red Bull "couldn't do anything else" tactically, highlighting how Norris' flawless final laps sealed the championship.

What's next:

Verstappen's number choice carries deeper significance than mere symbolism in F1's tradition-rich culture. While drivers typically retain personal numbers (like Hamilton's 44), champions who lose the title must surrender No. 1 – creating rare uncertainty for a driver of Verstappen's stature.

• Potential options include reverting to his longtime personal number 33 (which he dismissed), adopting a new signature digit, or potentially keeping No. 1 through a loophole if he signs as McLaren's reserve driver – though that scenario remains highly unlikely.
• The decision gains added weight with F1's 2026 regulation overhaul, where Verstappen aims to reclaim dominance with Red Bull's new power unit development. "This isn't the end," he insisted post-race. "We'll come back stronger."
• Norris' championship victory triggers ripple effects across the grid – Mercedes now faces pressure to match McLaren's 2025 pace, while Ferrari's 2026 engine development takes on new urgency as the only team with resources to challenge both frontrunners.