Red Bull Racing‘s latest promotional campaign has sparked attention after eagle-eyed fans noticed the team showcasing Max Verstappen‘s RB22 carrying the number one livery, despite the four-time world champion having already confirmed he will race with number three throughout the 2025 season. The curious appearance comes as part of the team’s season launch imagery, which unveiled a refreshed blue-heavy colour scheme emphasising the squad’s partnership with Ford and its identity as a unified racing family.
Verstappen’s number choice for the new campaign
The Dutchman’s decision to adopt number three for 2025 marks a significant departure from recent seasons. Having claimed world titles in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, Verstappen enjoyed the privilege of displaying the coveted number one across four consecutive campaigns. That distinction now belongs to Lando Norris following his championship triumph, with the McLaren driver confirming he will carry the champion’s number on his MCL39 successor.
While a return to his original number 33 seemed logical, Verstappen opted instead for number three. The single-digit alternative had previously been unavailable during his early championship reign, as it was assigned to Daniel Ricciardo during the Australian’s active years on the grid. With Ricciardo no longer competing full-time in Formula 1, the number became accessible for Verstappen’s selection.
Symbolic messaging behind the promotional imagery
Red Bull unveiled its updated team identity last Friday, presenting a striking visual identity dominated by blue tones that reinforce the collaboration with American automotive giant Ford. The promotional video released on social media platforms features carefully choreographed sequences highlighting the team’s heritage and ambitions for the season ahead.
At the 31-second mark of the footage, the RB22 appears prominently bearing number one rather than Verstappen’s chosen three. The inclusion appears deliberate rather than accidental, serving a thematic purpose within the broader narrative. The promotional material emphasises the concept of the team operating as “one family,” united beneath the sun and bull imagery that forms the core of Red Bull’s global brand identity. The number one placement reinforces this messaging of unity and collective purpose, suggesting the choice was a creative decision rather than an oversight regarding Verstappen’s racing number for actual competition.
Team identity and visual strategy
The renewed livery and brand presentation reflects Red Bull Racing’s evolving partnership structure and competitive positioning. The prominent blue elements mark a visual shift from previous seasons, creating immediate visual association with Ford’s involvement in the team’s power unit development programme. This aesthetic evolution signals both technical collaboration and commercial alignment heading into what promises to be a challenging season.
Red Bull’s marketing approach frequently blends competitive elements with broader brand storytelling. The use of historic machinery carrying symbolic numbering fits this pattern, allowing the team to communicate core values while maintaining flexibility separate from race-specific regulations and driver preferences. The RB22, which carried Verstappen to his second world championship in 2022, remains an evocative symbol of the team’s recent dominance despite newer machinery now competing on track.
What this means going forward
The promotional footage serves primarily as brand positioning rather than indicating any changes to Verstappen’s confirmed racing arrangements for 2025. When the season opens, the Dutchman will compete with number three on his RB21, partnered by Liam Lawson in his debut season with the senior Red Bull squad. The New Zealander replaces Sergio Pérez, who departed the team following a difficult 2024 campaign.
Red Bull faces renewed pressure this season after losing both championship titles to McLaren and Norris respectively. The team’s promotional campaign reflects determination to reclaim supremacy, even as technical regulations remain stable and competitive margins tighten across the grid. Whether symbolic imagery translates to on-track success will become clear when testing commences ahead of the season opener.
