Max Verstappen may have inadvertently revealed his Formula 1 race number for the 2026 season during a private GT3 test session in Portugal this week. The four-time world champion faces a significant change after relinquishing the coveted number one following Lando Norris‘s championship victory in Abu Dhabi, and eagle-eyed observers on social media believe they have spotted a telling clue about his choice.
The number one dilemma facing Verstappen
The Dutchman’s situation represents a unique crossroads in his Formula 1 career. Having carried the prestigious number one throughout 2025 after claiming his fourth consecutive championship, Verstappen must now select an alternative for the upcoming campaign. His options are limited but significant: he can either return to the number 33 that became synonymous with his rise to the top, or pursue his long-stated preference for number three.
Number 33 holds considerable sentimental value within the Red Bull Racing paddock. Verstappen used it throughout his early Formula 1 seasons before earning the right to display number one, and it remains closely associated with his identity in the sport. However, Verstappen has repeatedly stated that his true favourite is number three.
The complication lies in ownership. Daniel Ricciardo currently holds the rights to number three, and Formula 1 regulations require his explicit approval before Verstappen can adopt it. The Australian has not competed in Formula 1 since his departure from RB midway through the 2024 season, yet he retains the number under current sporting regulations.
Portugal test provides crucial evidence
During Tuesday’s private testing session at the Autódromo do Estoril, Verstappen spent the day evaluating the Mercedes-AMG GT3 Evo. While GT3 machinery differs significantly from Formula 1 equipment, the session offered the Red Bull driver valuable seat time during the winter break.
Photographs circulating across social media platforms captured a detail that sparked immediate speculation. A pit board visible in Verstappen’s garage displayed the number three prominently, prompting fans to connect this choice with his pending Formula 1 decision. Although pit boards in GT3 testing do not necessarily correlate with official Formula 1 race numbers, the timing of the appearance has fuelled widespread discussion.
Social media reaction was swift and enthusiastic. Multiple observers noted that “MV3” carries a pleasing phonetic similarity to “MVP,” potentially creating a new branding opportunity for the Dutchman. Others suggested the combination of initials and number sounds more dynamic than his previous “MV33” identifier.
Ricciardo’s approval remains the decisive factor
The path to number three depends entirely on Ricciardo’s willingness to release his claim. The two drivers share a cordial relationship built during their time as teammates at Red Bull Racing between 2016 and 2018, and Ricciardo has previously expressed admiration for Verstappen’s achievements. Whether this personal connection translates into approval for the number transfer remains unclear.
Formula 1’s sporting regulations grant drivers permanent ownership of their chosen numbers throughout their careers, with numbers only returning to the available pool after two consecutive seasons without competition. Since Ricciardo competed in 2024, his claim on number three extends through the end of 2026 unless he voluntarily relinquishes it.
Verstappen acknowledged the uncertainty in recent weeks, stating publicly that his 2026 number remained undecided pending various factors. The Red Bull Racing driver faces no immediate deadline, as teams typically finalise such details well ahead of pre-season testing.
What this means for the 2026 season
Regardless of which number adorns his car, Verstappen enters 2026 in an unfamiliar position. For the first time since 2020, he will not carry number one, marking a psychological shift as he attempts to reclaim the championship from McLaren. The symbolism of his number choice extends beyond mere identification, potentially serving as motivation throughout the campaign.
If Ricciardo grants approval and Verstappen adopts number three, it would fulfil a long-standing preference while creating fresh merchandising opportunities. The alternative—returning to 33—offers continuity with his pre-championship identity and remains immediately available without requiring external approval. Either choice carries weight as Verstappen prepares for what promises to be a fiercely contested season alongside new teammate Liam Lawson.
