Max Verstappen is considering dropping his iconic #33 for the 2026 season after spending the last four seasons running the #1 on his Red Bull car, which is reserved for series champions
Max Verstappen has revealed his desire to switch his race number to three for the 2026 season, should he lose his F1 title and forfeit his right to use number one on his Red Bull motor.
The 28 year old originally ran with number 33 when he entered the sport, a figure that became closely linked with Verstappen in racing circles. But he only chose that digit because future teammate Daniel Ricciardo had already claimed number three for himself.
After clinching his maiden world championship in 2021, Verstappen opted for number one – exclusively reserved for defending champions – and has retained it ever since. Yet with the 2025 crown appearing destined for either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, the Red Bull driver must make a decision.
Speaking at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen confirmed his intention to adopt number three from 2026 onwards, though he requires permission from both the FIA and Ricciardo to secure the switch. The Australian driver confirmed his retirement from motorsport earlier this year following his departure from Racing Bulls during the 2024 season.
“That’s a good question,” the Dutchman responded when asked about the potential change. “You have to get approval for it because, at the end of the day, the number is not free yet because of Daniel Ricciardo. He has not been out of Formula One for two years yet.”
He continued: “I will look at it over the winter, but my favourite number is #3. We just need to see whether that is actually possible.” The Red Bull star jokingly added: “I actually wanted number 69, but my dad said ‘that’s not a good idea’. But that number always looks the same, no matter how you look at the car! 69 would be very good for the photos and marketing, and for the caps as well.
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“It doesn’t matter how you wear them, it always stays 69. In that respect, it would be a good marketing tool. I also like 27, but Nico already has that. I think 2 and 7 look really nice together in terms of shape. So 3 is my favourite number, but there are several numbers I find cool.”
Luckily for Verstappen, Ricciardo is unlikely to block his path. The Australian has kept up a strong friendship with his ex-Red Bull teammate after his switch to Renault, and continues to be mates with the 28-year-old even now, despite stepping away from open-wheel motorsport.
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“While my racing days are behind me, my love for anything with wheels will always remain high, and for that I am proud to be partnering with Ford to become a Global Ford Racing Ambassador,” he wrote in an open letter to fans back in September.
Ricciardo went on to explain: “So why now and why me? When I decided it was time to retire, I thought long and hard about finding the most authentic way to stay connected to the world of motorsports. For me, racing was always about having fun. It made me happy and created memories that will last a lifetime.”
