Max Verstappen to Race With Car Number 3 in 2026
Max Verstappen has confirmed that he will switch to racing with car number 3 for the 2026 Formula 1 season, following the end of his World Championship reign and the rise of Lando Norris as the sport’s newest title holder.
With Norris claiming the 2025 Drivers’ Championship by just two points, the McLaren driver will take over the iconic number 1, leaving Verstappen to select a new identity for the next era of Formula 1.
Passing the Torch After a Tight Title Fight
The 2025 season concluded with one of the closest championship battles in recent Formula 1 history. Lando Norris sealed his maiden Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging Verstappen in the standings and ending the Dutchman’s four-year run as World Champion.
You can read the full breakdown of how Norris secured the title here.
As per Formula 1 tradition, the reigning champion is entitled to use the number 1, which Verstappen had proudly carried since his dramatic 2021 title victory over Lewis Hamilton.
Why Verstappen Chose Number 3
Rather than returning to his long-time race number 33, which he used from his Toro Rosso debut in 2015 until his first title, Verstappen has opted for a fresh chapter with a more personal touch.
Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen explained that the number 3 has always held special meaning for him.
“It won’t be number 33. My favorite number has always been 3, apart from number 1. We can now swap, so it’ll be number 3,” he said.
“Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one 3 better than two. I always said it represented double luck, but I’ve already had my luck in Formula 1.”
The number also carries history within Red Bull, having previously been used by Daniel Ricciardo during his time with the team.
Approval From FIA and Ricciardo
Before the change could be made official, approval was required from both the FIA and Ricciardo himself. That permission has now been granted, clearing the way for Verstappen to officially register the number 3 for the 2026 grid.
Ricciardo retired from Formula 1 at the end of the 2024 season following a difficult final year with RB, leaving the number available for reuse.
A New Era Begins in 2026
Verstappen’s number change comes as Formula 1 prepares for a major reset in 2026, with sweeping new technical regulations and a reshaped competitive order expected across the grid.
While the number on his car may be different, Verstappen’s intent remains unchanged — to fight back and reclaim the top step of Formula 1.
For fans, the sight of car number 3 lining up on the grid will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the career of one of the sport’s defining drivers.
