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Max Verstappen will race with a new car number in the 2026 Formula 1 season, switching to No. 3 following approval from both the FIA and former holder Daniel Ricciardo. The move marks a notable change for the four-time world champion, who has spent most of his career associated with No. 33 and, more recently, No. 1 as reigning champion.
Under Formula 1 regulations introduced in 2014, drivers select a permanent race number for their careers, with No. 1 reserved as an optional choice for the defending world champion. Verstappen initially raced with No. 33 from his debut in 2015 through his first title win in 2021, before opting to use No. 1 during his four-year championship run. That streak ended in 2025 when McLaren's Lando Norris secured the title in Abu Dhabi, earning the right to take No. 1 for the following season.
Instead of reverting to No. 33, Verstappen chose No. 3, a number long associated with Ricciardo. Although Ricciardo's final race came at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, the rules normally keep a number reserved for two seasons after a driver leaves the grid. Sources indicated Verstappen personally approached Ricciardo to seek permission, and Ricciardo agreed to release the number early.
Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen explained the personal significance of the change, saying, "It won't be number 33. My favourite number has always been 3, apart from number 1. We can now swap, so it'll be number 3." He added that while No. 33 had served him well, he preferred the simplicity of a single digit, noting, "I just like one 3 better than two."
Ricciardo had used No. 3 throughout his Formula 1 career, including during his time as Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018. Following his abrupt exit from the sport in 2024, Ricciardo revealed that Verstappen was among the few drivers who reached out to check on him, a gesture that preceded the agreement over the number.
The switch was also enabled by a recent rule adjustment allowing drivers to change their assigned numbers, provided all conditions are met. Verstappen's choice means No. 3 will return to the grid under a different driver for the first time since Ricciardo's departure.
Alongside Verstappen's change, Norris is expected to run No. 1 in 2026, while Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad has been confirmed with No. 41.
