Max Verstappen has entered the 2025 Formula 1 season with starting number 3 on his Red Bull RB21, a significant departure from the number 1 he earned as reigning world champion. The four-time world champion specifically requested permission from Daniel Ricciardo to use the Australian’s former racing number, creating an emotional moment when the two drivers met at Red Bull’s factory. Ricciardo’s reaction to seeing his old number on Verstappen’s official merchandise has now been captured on camera, revealing the genuine bond between the former teammates and the significance of this numerical handover in Formula 1 history.
Verstappen’s unconventional choice sparks debate
The decision by Verstappen to race with number 3 rather than the prestigious number 1 created considerable discussion across social media platforms and within the paddock. World champions traditionally carry number 1 as a badge of honour, making Verstappen’s rejection of this tradition noteworthy. His choice to specifically request Ricciardo’s number added another layer of intrigue to the story.
The Dutch driver also bypassed his original career number 33, which carried him through his early Formula 1 seasons and his first world championship campaign in 2021. Instead, Verstappen focused on acquiring the single-digit number that Ricciardo had made famous during his own tenure at Red Bull Racing. The symbolism of taking over a teammate’s number resonated differently with fans, with some viewing it as a touching tribute whilst others questioned the necessity of the switch.
Formula 1’s regulations stipulate that a driver’s chosen number remains locked for one additional season after they leave the sport or switch numbers. Ricciardo’s departure from the grid meant number 3 was technically unavailable, requiring Verstappen to seek explicit permission for the transfer.
Personal request seals the numerical handover
Verstappen approached Ricciardo directly to request permission for using number 3, demonstrating respect for the protocols surrounding driver numbers in Formula 1. The conversation between the two drivers happened privately, with Ricciardo granting approval without hesitation. The Australian later described the situation as creating a “nice story” that would resonate with both drivers’ fanbases.
Ricciardo’s willingness to release his number early reflects the strong relationship he maintains with Red Bull Racing despite his exit from competitive racing. The Australian spent his most successful years with the team between 2014 and 2018, securing seven race victories and establishing number 3 as his signature identifier throughout his Formula 1 career.
The transfer process required administrative cooperation from Formula 1’s governing body, but Ricciardo’s consent proved decisive in allowing Verstappen to secure the number for the 2025 season. This marked a rare instance of a driver voluntarily releasing their locked number to a colleague.
Emotional reunion at Red Bull factory
The genuine nature of Ricciardo and Verstappen’s relationship became evident when cameras captured their interaction at Red Bull’s Milton Keynes facility. As Verstappen wore his new official Red Bull cap featuring the number 3, Ricciardo spotted the digit immediately and reacted with visible enthusiasm. His exclamation of “Wow, there’s the 3! Very cool, mate. It’s good” conveyed authentic appreciation for seeing his former number being carried forward by the reigning champion.
Verstappen’s immediate response showed similar awareness of the moment’s significance. The Dutch driver quickly removed his cap to display the number more prominently to Ricciardo, acknowledging the importance of the Australian’s contribution to this chapter of his career. The exchange lasted only seconds but revealed the mutual respect between two drivers whose careers intersected during crucial periods.
The video footage circulated rapidly across social media, with fans appreciating the authenticity of the interaction. Unlike staged promotional content, the spontaneous nature of Ricciardo’s reaction demonstrated genuine emotion surrounding the number transfer.
Historical significance of driver numbers
Formula 1’s permanent number system, introduced in 2014, allows drivers to select a personal racing number they carry throughout their career. Only the reigning world champion receives the option to use number 1, creating the sport’s most prestigious numerical distinction. Verstappen’s rejection of this privilege represents a notable departure from tradition, though not unprecedented in Formula 1 history.
Several champions have previously opted to retain their personal numbers rather than switch to number 1. However, Verstappen’s choice differs because he specifically sought out another driver’s established number rather than simply maintaining his own. This adds complexity to the narrative, intertwining his identity with Ricciardo’s legacy at Red Bull Racing.
The number 3 itself carries significant Formula 1 heritage beyond Ricciardo’s tenure. Multiple champions throughout the sport’s history have raced with this single digit, though the permanent number system has created stronger associations between specific drivers and their chosen numerals since 2014.
What the number change means for 2025
Verstappen begins the 2025 campaign facing renewed competition from multiple fronts. Ferrari has strengthened considerably with Lewis Hamilton‘s arrival alongside Charles Leclerc, whilst McLaren carries momentum from their strong 2024 performance. The number on Verstappen’s RB21 may have changed, but his target remains consistent: a fifth consecutive world championship.
The symbolic weight of racing with Ricciardo’s number could serve as additional motivation throughout the season. Both drivers share attacking driving styles and an uncompromising approach to wheel-to-wheel combat, qualities that defined their time as Red Bull teammates between 2016 and 2018. Verstappen’s adoption of number 3 acknowledges this shared racing philosophy.
Red Bull Racing’s 2025 line-up pairs Verstappen with Liam Lawson, who replaced Sergio Pérez during the off-season. The team’s continued technical excellence will be tested against revitalised opposition, making Verstappen’s consistency crucial for both championships. Whether racing as number 1 or number 3, the Dutch driver’s performance standards remain the benchmark against which others are measured throughout the Formula 1 paddock.
