'Max on Ice' takes #1 for a spin

©RedBull

For the very first time this year, Max Verstappen displayed onboard a Red Bull F1 car the prestigious race number that he will be using in 2022 as the sport's reigning World Champion.

Contrary to his predecessors, Verstappen has elected to race with #1 emblazoned on his car instead of the personal '33' race number his chose when he entered F1 in 2014.

The Dutchman was in Austria this week to take part in a Red Bull exhibition on the GP Ice Race circuit at Zell am See airport.

Running onboard an old-spec RB8 fitted with special Pirelli studded tyres, Verstappen measured up to Austrian ice speedway racer Franky Zorn.

©RedBull

"I didn't even realise it was on the car!" Verstappen said, referring to his new race number.

"How many times do you get the opportunity to swap? Number 1 is the best number so for me it was very straightforward to pick the number 1.

"I hope, of course, that number 33 doesn't come back next year!"

Check out the video hereunder of Max's icy run at Zell am See.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.