Why Max Verstappen is Switching to Number 3 for 2026
After losing the 2025 title, Max Verstappen will switch to the number 3 for the 2026 F1 season, a number he has favored since childhood for its shape.
Four-time world champion Max Verstappen will compete with the number 3 on his car starting in the 2026 F1 season. After narrowly missing out on the 2025 title, he will surrender the number 1 to Lando Norris and will not revert to his original 33. The switch to number 3 fulfills a long-held preference for the Dutch driver, marking a symbolic new chapter as the sport heads into a major regulatory era.
Why it matters:
A driver's number is a key part of their identity, and for a reigning champion, relinquishing the #1 is a significant moment. The move marks a reset for Verstappen and Red Bull as they prepare for the 2026 regulation overhaul, potentially signaling a shift in mindset. The number 3 also carries historical weight, having been carried to championship glory by legends like Graham Hill, Jacques Villeneuve, and Michael Schumacher.
The details:
- A Childhood Favorite: Verstappen has stated that number 3 was his first choice when he entered F1 in 2015, but it was unavailable at the time.
- The Origin of 33: He opted for 33 instead, explaining it was for "double luck" since he couldn't get his preferred single digit.
- Simple Reasoning: His affinity for the number is purely aesthetic and nostalgic. "It's the shape of the number that I liked when I was a kid," Verstappen explained.
- Becoming Available: The number becomes free following Daniel Ricciardo's departure from the grid, finally allowing Verstappen to claim it.
What's next:
The 2026 season represents a massive technical reset for Formula 1, and Verstappen's new number will be on the car as he aims to adapt and challenge for a fifth world title. The change also adds to the narrative of his long-term ambitions, with former champion Jacques Villeneuve recently stating that Verstappen has the talent to break the all-time record of seven world titles.