TITLE: Ricciardo hands number three to Verstappen with pride
Daniel Ricciardo has revealed that Max Verstappen approached him during the Austin race weekend to request his iconic number three, and the Australian had no hesitation in granting permission. The four-time world champion will now race with the single-digit number that Ricciardo made famous during his own career, marking a symbolic passing of the torch between former Red Bull teammates. Verstappen began his Formula 1 journey in 2015 with number 33, as his preferred number three was unavailable at the time. After securing his fourth world championship in 2024, the Dutchman carried number one throughout last season, but that designation now belongs to Lando Norris for 2025.
The symbolic transfer between former teammates
The transition of number three from Ricciardo to Verstappen carries significant weight within the paddock. When Verstappen entered Formula 1 a decade ago, his first choice was always the single-digit number that represented simplicity and ambition. However, Ricciardo already owned the rights to that number, forcing the young Dutchman to adapt. His solution was number 33, which he justified as potentially bringing double the luck. That reasoning proved prescient, as Verstappen went on to become one of the sport’s most dominant forces.
The relationship between Ricciardo and Verstappen dates back to their time as teammates at Red Bull Racing between 2016 and 2018. During those three seasons, the pair developed a mutual respect that transcended the typical competitive tensions within a team. That bond has endured even as their careers took different trajectories, with Verstappen ascending to championship glory whilst Ricciardo’s journey took him through Renault, McLaren, and eventually back to the Red Bull family at AlphaTauri before his retirement.
FIA regulations created temporary obstacle
Formula 1’s governing body maintains strict protocols regarding driver numbers to ensure consistency and prevent confusion. According to FIA regulations, a retired driver retains the rights to their chosen number for two full seasons after their final race. This rule meant Verstappen would ordinarily have needed to wait until 2026 to claim number three, as Ricciardo’s last race came at the end of the 2024 season. The only exception to this waiting period requires the current rights holder to voluntarily relinquish their claim.
This regulatory framework exists to protect the legacy and branding that drivers build around their chosen numbers. In modern Formula 1, where personal branding and merchandising play crucial roles in a driver’s commercial appeal, race numbers have become integral to individual identity. Lewis Hamilton’s number 44, for instance, has become synonymous with his brand, whilst Charles Leclerc‘s number 16 carries its own recognition value.
The regulation also prevents situations where multiple drivers might compete for popular single-digit numbers, which generally carry more prestige and marketing appeal than double-digit alternatives.
Austin conversation sealed the arrangement
Speaking with GQ Sports, Ricciardo provided insight into how the transfer actually unfolded. The Austin race weekend served as the backdrop for Verstappen’s request. By that point in the 2024 season, Ricciardo’s future in Formula 1 had become uncertain, and the veteran driver was already contemplating his next chapter. When Verstappen broached the subject of the number three, Ricciardo immediately recognized the significance of the moment.
“I spoke with Max recently, and the whole number three story is quite cool,” Ricciardo explained. “It’s a nice story for us, but also for Formula 1 fans who supported Max and me when we were teammates.” The Australian’s enthusiasm for the arrangement reflects his characteristic generosity and his understanding of Formula 1’s narrative power. Rather than viewing the transfer as relinquishing something valuable, Ricciardo sees it as contributing to a compelling storyline that enriches the sport’s history.
The timing of the conversation also carries practical significance. With Verstappen already planning his 2025 season, securing confirmation from Ricciardo allowed Red Bull Racing to proceed with livery designs, merchandise production, and marketing campaigns featuring the new number.
From 33 to one and finally to three
Verstappen’s numerical journey through Formula 1 reflects his evolution as a driver. The number 33 accompanied him through his remarkable early years, including his historic first victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, where he became the youngest race winner in Formula 1 history at just 18 years old. That number remained on his Red Bull Racing machinery through his development years and his emergence as a title contender.
The switch to number one for 2024 marked his status as reigning champion, a tradition that dates back decades in Formula 1. However, the Dutchman’s pragmatic approach to racing numbers means he views them primarily as identifiers rather than talismans. His decision to pursue number three stems from his original preference rather than superstition about his championship-winning number 33.
This latest change represents a full-circle moment. Verstappen finally claims the number he wanted from the beginning, now carrying the authority and achievement that comes with four world championships. The simplicity of a single-digit number also aligns with his no-nonsense racing philosophy.
Impact on merchandising and fan connection
The number change carries significant implications beyond the track. Red Bull Racing’s merchandise operation will need to adapt to the new number across its entire product range, from replica race suits to model cars and apparel. Fans who have collected Verstappen memorabilia over the years now face a decision about whether to invest in items featuring his new number.
For Formula 1’s global fanbase, the story of Ricciardo passing his number to Verstappen adds an emotional dimension that transcends pure sporting competition. It demonstrates the respect and camaraderie that can exist between competitors, even at the highest level of motorsport. The narrative also provides casual fans with an accessible entry point into Formula 1’s more nuanced interpersonal dynamics, potentially deepening their engagement with the sport.
The timing coincides with Formula 1’s continued expansion into new markets and its efforts to attract younger audiences. Stories like this number transfer offer perfect material for content creation, generating discussion across platforms and reinforcing Formula 1’s position as a sport that combines fierce competition with genuine human connections.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season
As Verstappen prepares to debut his new number on the RB21 during pre-season testing, the symbolism of number three carries additional weight. The Dutchman faces perhaps his most challenging season yet, with Lewis Hamilton now driving for Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc and McLaren having closed the performance gap significantly. The number three on his engine cover serves as a reminder of his original ambitions whilst signifying the respect he commands from peers like Ricciardo.
For Ricciardo, the transfer marks another step in his transition from active competitor to Formula 1 statesman. His willingness to facilitate Verstappen’s request demonstrates the maturity and perspective that comes with experience. Rather than clinging to the number as a final connection to his racing career, the Australian embraces the opportunity to contribute to his former teammate’s ongoing story.
