Max Verstappen has confirmed he will race with a new number in the 2026 Formula 1 season, while also providing candid insights into the personal challenges faced by his longtime race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase. The four-time world champion revealed he will adopt number three instead of returning to his original 33, as number one passes to new title holder Lando Norris. Verstappen also addressed the summer speculation linking him to Mercedes, explaining how an unfortunate coincidence in Sardinia fuelled transfer rumours at a critical point in Red Bull’s campaign.
Red Bull driver opts for number three ahead of 2026 campaign
Verstappen will not reclaim his familiar 33 when he surrenders the reigning champion’s number one to McLaren’s Norris next season. Speaking on the Viaplay programme GeMaximaliseerd, the Dutchman explained his preference for the single-digit alternative now available following Sebastian Vettel’s retirement from the sport.
“It won’t be number 33. My favourite number has always been three, apart from number one,” Verstappen stated. “We’re allowed to switch now.”
The decision reflects a pragmatic approach from the Red Bull driver, who has consistently emphasised his attachment to number three throughout his karting and junior career. With Vettel’s permanent departure from Formula 1, the number became available for the first time since the German’s dominant era with Red Bull Racing between 2010 and 2013.
Summer speculation and the Sardinia coincidence
Verstappen acknowledged that his summer holiday arrangements inadvertently amplified speculation about a potential move to Mercedes during the mid-season break. The Red Bull driver’s yacht was moored directly alongside that of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff in Sardinia, creating headlines at precisely the moment when his future was subject to intense scrutiny.
“I made it very clear that I would stay. The fact that Toto and I were next to each other during our holiday didn’t really help either. I love Sardinia, he loves Sardinia… When I arrived there, I thought: ‘Bloody hell…’,” Verstappen recalled with evident frustration.
The timing proved particularly awkward as Red Bull navigated a difficult period of internal turbulence and competitive struggles. While Verstappen ultimately reaffirmed his commitment to the Milton Keynes squad, the images from Italy fed persistent rumours about Mercedes’ courtship of the dominant driver of recent seasons. The coincidental proximity underscored the challenges faced by high-profile figures seeking privacy during the championship’s brief respite.
Engineer Lambiase’s difficult personal circumstances
Verstappen opened up about the profound personal difficulties faced by Gianpiero Lambiase throughout the season, offering rare insight into the human side of Formula 1’s high-pressure environment. The race engineer was visibly emotional following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, prompting questions about his wellbeing.
“He’s had a very difficult year, still ongoing,” Verstappen said, pausing with evident emotion. “That’s really tough, actually. I can’t even comprehend myself how difficult all of that is, to do his job and continue with life at home.”
The four-time champion described Lambiase as a close friend rather than simply a professional colleague, highlighting the depth of their partnership that has endured throughout his time at Red Bull. Verstappen’s comments revealed the weight of personal challenges that exist behind the technical radio exchanges and strategic decisions that define race weekends. The situation underscores how team members manage demanding professional responsibilities while confronting significant difficulties away from the circuit.
Antonelli eyes Ferrari future while settling at Mercedes
Andrea Kimi Antonelli has expressed openness to joining Ferrari at some point in his career, though the Mercedes rookie emphasised his current satisfaction at Brackley. Speaking to Sky Sports, the young Italian acknowledged the prestige associated with the Maranello outfit while focusing on his development with the Silver Arrows.
“Ferrari is a great team, with an enormous track record worldwide. So yes, racing for Ferrari would be great,” Antonelli commented when asked about the Italian team.
The 18-year-old completed his debut season alongside George Russell after replacing Lewis Hamilton, who made the high-profile switch to Ferrari. Antonelli’s comments reflect the natural appeal Ferrari holds for Italian drivers, though his immediate priority remains establishing himself at Mercedes following a challenging but instructive first year in Formula 1.
What this means going forward
Verstappen’s number change represents a minor but symbolic shift as Formula 1 enters a new regulatory era in 2026. The switch to number three closes the chapter on his 33 identity while maintaining continuity with his pre-Formula 1 career. More significantly, his candid discussion of Lambiase’s personal situation highlights the human dimensions often obscured by the sport’s technical and competitive narratives.
The revelation about summer discussions with Wolff confirms that Mercedes made substantive efforts to secure Verstappen’s signature during Red Bull’s vulnerable period. That he ultimately stayed demonstrates the strength of his commitment to Red Bull Racing, even as the team faces uncertainty with new power unit regulations and evolving competitive dynamics. Antonelli’s measured comments about Ferrari suggest the young Italian is thinking long-term about his career trajectory, though immediate focus remains on progress at Mercedes as the team seeks to return to championship contention.
