As the Las Vegas lights glow in the background, Max Verstappen is already thinking ahead to 2026—and possibly leaving behind the iconic #1 that has marked his reign at Red Bull. With Lando Norris now favoured to take the 2025 championship, Verstappen is weighing a switch back to his permanent number 33, or maybe even something entirely new.
True to form, Verstappen’s reasoning blends practicality with a hint of his usual dry humour. Asked which number he might choose next season, he jokingly teased that his preferred option has always been #3, though he isn’t certain if he’ll be allowed to use it.
Verstappen hasn’t raced without the #1 since 2022, as champions are entitled to use it until they lose the title. Once dethroned, they must return to their assigned number—in his case, 33. He could simply revert to it, but Verstappen seems interested in exploring a more playful alternative.
That’s where the idea of #3 comes in—a number most recently used by former teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Verstappen admitted he likes the number, but its availability depends on FIA rules.
According to those rules, a driver keeps exclusive rights to their race number for two seasons after they last compete. Since Ricciardo hasn’t yet passed that window, despite announcing his retirement, Verstappen would need official approval before adopting #3 for 2026.
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