Max Verstappen has expressed his interest in changing his race number to three for the 2026 season if he loses his F1 title and can no longer use number one on his Red Bull car. Initially using number 33 when he joined the sport, Verstappen is closely associated with this figure, having selected it because his future teammate Daniel Ricciardo had already claimed number three.
Having secured his first world championship in 2021, Verstappen switched to number one, reserved for defending champions, and has maintained it. However, with the 2025 championship likely going to either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, Verstappen faces a decision.
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen announced his plan to adopt number three from 2026 onwards, pending approval from the FIA and Ricciardo. Ricciardo retired from motorsport earlier this year after leaving Racing Bulls in the 2024 season.
Verstappen humorously mentioned his desire for number 69 but considered number three his favorite. He highlighted the visual appeal of numbers 2 and 7 together and expressed liking for number 27, currently held by Nico. Verstappen noted that Ricciardo, who remains a close friend despite leaving open-wheel motorsport, is unlikely to hinder his number change.
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