Verstappen to Race with Number 3 in 2026 F1 Season

Max Verstappen will switch his car number from 1 to 3 for the 2026 Formula 1 season, marking a symbolic end to his four-year championship reign. The change comes as newly crowned 2025 champion Lando Norris is set to adopt the prestigious number 1, a tradition Verstappen himself followed.

Why it matters:

A driver's number is a key part of their identity in F1. Verstappen's voluntary move back to a personal favorite, rather than the champion's number, signals a psychological reset as he enters a new competitive era chasing a fifth title. It also highlights a recent, impactful rule change that gives drivers more flexibility with their career branding.

The details:

• Verstappen confirmed the switch in an interview with Viaplay, stating his favorite number has always been 3, apart from number 1.
• He raced with number 33 from his 2015 debut through 2021, before using number 1 for his four championship-winning seasons (2022-2025).
• A recent amendment to the F1 sporting regulations now permits drivers to change their permanent number, a switch that was previously locked in for a career unless a driver became champion and opted for number 1.
• Verstappen noted he simply prefers a single 3 over double 3s, joking that while 33 represented "double luck," he's "already had luck in Formula 1."
• The change received approval from Daniel Ricciardo, who famously used the number 3 during his own career, as noted in a statement on Verstappen's official website.

What's next:

The 2026 season will see a visual shift on track: Lando Norris's McLaren adorned with the number 1, and Verstappen's Red Bull carrying the number 3. This sets the stage for their rivalry to continue with renewed symbolism after Verstappen finished just two points behind Norris in the 2025 standings. All eyes will be on whether the new number brings a fresh start for Verstappen's quest to reclaim the top spot.