Max Verstappen, the Formula 1 driver, has expressed his interest in changing his race number to three for the upcoming 2026 season if he loses his F1 championship title and the privilege to use number one on his Red Bull car. Initially, when Verstappen joined the sport, he adopted the number 33, which became closely associated with him in racing circles. However, he selected this number because his future teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, had already claimed number three for himself.
After securing his first world championship in 2021, Verstappen switched to number one, a number exclusively reserved for defending champions, and has retained it since then. With the 2025 title likely going to either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, Verstappen needs to make a decision.
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen announced his plan to switch to number three from 2026 onwards, pending approval from both the FIA and Ricciardo. Ricciardo, who retired from motorsport earlier this year after leaving Racing Bulls in 2024, is unlikely to oppose the change as he maintains a strong friendship with Verstappen.
Verstappen humorously mentioned his desire for number 69 but acknowledged the practicality of number three. He also expressed interest in numbers 27, 2, and 7, noting their aesthetic appeal. Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to include various streaming services alongside Formula 1 coverage, offering a comprehensive viewing experience for fans.
