Max Verstappen has expressed his wish to change his race number to three for the 2026 season if he loses his F1 title and the right to use number one on his Red Bull car. Initially, the 28-year-old used number 33 when he joined the sport, a number closely associated with him in racing circles. However, he settled for this number as his 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 then. 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 revealed his plan to switch to number three from 2026 onwards, pending approval from both the FIA and Ricciardo. Ricciardo retired from motorsport earlier in 2024 after leaving Racing Bulls.
Verstappen humorously mentioned his desire for number 69, but his father advised against it. He also shared his fondness for number 27, which is already taken. However, he finds numbers like two and seven visually appealing. Verstappen confirmed that number three is his favorite but appreciates other numbers as well.
Fortunately, Ricciardo is unlikely to oppose Verstappen’s number change as they maintain a strong friendship even after Ricciardo’s departure from open-wheel motorsport.
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In an open letter to fans in September, Ricciardo announced his partnership with Ford as a Global Ford Racing Ambassador, expressing his ongoing passion for all things related to wheels and motorsports. He emphasized that racing has always been about fun and happiness for him, creating enduring memories.