Verstappen to Switch to Number 3 for 2026 Season

Max Verstappen has confirmed he will race under a new driver number in the 2026 Formula One season following the end of his championship reign.

The Red Bull driver has used the number one for the past four seasons as world champion. However, he is no longer eligible to keep it after Lando Norris secured the title earlier this month. While the champion is not required to use number one, Norris has already said he will adopt it next year.

Verstappen previously raced with number 33 from 2015 to 2021 but will not return to it. Instead, he has chosen number 3, which became available after Daniel Ricciardo stepped away from the sport in 2024.

A recent FIA regulation change now allows drivers to change their racing numbers during their careers, opening the door for Verstappen’s switch. He has since received official approval from the governing body.

Speaking to Viaplay, Max Verstappen said number 3 had always been his favourite apart from number one. He added that while number 33 served him well, he preferred a single three and felt he had already enjoyed plenty of luck in Formula One.

The Dutch driver finished the 2025 season just two points behind Norris and will begin the 2026 campaign with a new team-mate after Isack Hadjar was promoted to the main Red Bull line-up.