Max Verstappen will race under a new permanent number when the 2026 Formula 1 season begins, the four-time world champion has confirmed. While the Dutchman must relinquish the coveted number one to newly-crowned champion Lando Norris, he has opted not to return to his familiar 33 either. Instead, Verstappen will fulfil a long-held ambition by switching to number three—the digit he originally wanted when entering Formula 1 but could not secure at the time.
Return to original choice after Ricciardo retirement
When Verstappen made his Grand Prix debut with Toro Rosso in 2014, his preferred choice of number three was unavailable. Daniel Ricciardo had already claimed it for that season while racing for Red Bull Racing. Left without his first option, the teenage prodigy selected 33 instead—a number that would become synonymous with his meteoric rise through the sport. Verstappen carried that double-digit identifier through four world championships and countless race victories, building one of the most successful careers in modern motorsport history.
Ricciardo’s retirement from Formula 1 at the end of 2024 freed up the single-digit number. Coinciding with this availability, the FIA introduced a new regulation for 2026 permitting drivers to change their permanent racing numbers between seasons. Previously, once a driver selected their number upon entering Formula 1, it remained fixed throughout their career unless they became world champion and chose to run number one.
Personal preference over double digits
Speaking on the Viaplay programme GeMaximaliseerd, Verstappen explained his decision-making process behind the switch. “It won’t be number 33. My favourite number has always been three, apart from number one,” the Red Bull Racing driver stated. “We’re now allowed to switch. It will be number three. 33 was always fine, but I prefer a single three over two threes. I always said it stood for double luck, but I’ve obviously already had my luck in F1.”
The choice reflects a more streamlined aesthetic preference for the reigning four-time champion. Throughout his career with number 33, Verstappen secured back-to-back championships from 2021 through 2024, establishing himself among the sport’s all-time greats. The number became instantly recognisable on track, adorning the Red Bull machinery that dominated recent seasons. Yet with the opportunity to claim his original choice finally available, Verstappen wasted little time making the change official.
His partner Kelly Piquet’s influence also played a role in the final decision, particularly in ruling out one alternative suggestion. “Every time I mention that in an interview, Kelly looks at me like: ‘What are you saying?'” Verstappen said with laughter, referring to the possibility of selecting number 69—a choice he had jokingly floated in previous conversations.
New regulations enable mid-career switches
The regulatory change allowing number switches represents a departure from Formula 1’s recent approach to driver identification. Since 2014, permanent numbers have served as personal brands for competitors, replacing the previous system where starting numbers were assigned annually based on championship standings. The constructors’ champion received numbers one and two, with subsequent positions allocated according to teams’ final rankings.
Under the old format between 1990 and 2013, only the reigning drivers’ champion received number one, while their teammate took number two regardless of the previous year’s finishing position. This system meant numbers changed annually for most drivers, creating less consistency for fans tracking their favourite competitors across multiple seasons.
The modern permanent number system brought stability and marketing advantages, enabling drivers to build recognition around specific digits. Lewis Hamilton‘s 44, for instance, became one of the sport’s most recognisable numbers across his seven championship campaigns. The 2026 rule adjustment maintains this personalisation while granting flexibility to drivers who may have settled for their second or third choice upon entering the championship.
Championship implications for numbering
Verstappen’s switch to number three comes as he prepares to defend his championship credentials against a resurgent McLaren outfit. Norris claimed the 2025 title, ending Verstappen’s remarkable four-year reign atop the drivers’ standings. The British driver will carry number one throughout 2026, marking the first time since 2021 that Verstappen races without either his championship-winning marker or his familiar 33.
Red Bull Racing enters the new season with renewed determination to reclaim both championships. The team retained Verstappen alongside new signing Liam Lawson, who replaced Sergio Pérez after the Mexican’s departure following a difficult 2025 campaign. Technical regulations remain stable for 2026 before the sport’s sweeping aerodynamic and power unit overhaul arrives in 2027, giving teams one final season under the current formula to perfect their packages.
The number change adds a subtle psychological dimension to Verstappen’s championship challenge. While seemingly minor, racing numbers carry significance for drivers who associate specific digits with particular periods of their careers. Whether number three proves as successful as 33 remains to be seen, but Verstappen’s track record suggests his performance will transcend whichever number adorns his Red Bull’s bodywork when pre-season testing begins later this year.
