Max Verstappen has expressed his interest in changing his race number to three for the upcoming 2026 season if he loses his F1 championship and can no longer use number one on his Red Bull car.
Initially, the 28-year-old driver used number 33 when he started in the sport, a number that became closely associated with him. However, he picked this number because his future teammate Daniel Ricciardo had already claimed number three.
After winning his first world championship in 2021, Verstappen chose number one, reserved for defending champions, and has kept it since. However, with the 2025 title likely going to either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, Verstappen needs to decide on a new number.
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen announced his plan to switch to number three from 2026 onwards but needs approval from the FIA and Ricciardo for the change. Ricciardo retired from motorsport earlier this year after leaving Racing Bulls in the 2024 season.
Verstappen humorously mentioned his interest in number 69, but his father advised against it. He also mentioned liking number 27 but noted that it’s already taken. Ultimately, number three remains his top choice.
Fortunately, Ricciardo is unlikely to oppose Verstappen’s decision, as the two have maintained a strong friendship even after Ricciardo’s move to Renault and departure from open-wheel motorsport.
In other news, Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, along with 135 channels and comprehensive coverage of Formula 1. Sky provides coverage of all F1 events, including practice sessions, qualifying, and races, as well as exclusive content on the Premier League, EFL, darts, and golf.
Ricciardo recently shared his decision to partner with Ford as a Global Ford Racing Ambassador, expressing his enduring passion for motorsports. He emphasized the joy and fun racing brought him, creating lasting memories.