Verstappen says goodbye to #1 – and hello to a long-held ‘favorite’

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Max Verstappen’s long-running romance with the number 1 is officially over – prompting a hunt for a fresh lucky digit.

With Lando Norris freshly crowned world champion and ready to slap the champion’s #1 onto his McLaren, Verstappen will relinquish the digit he’s carried since 2022.

For most drivers, this might be a footnote. For Verstappen, it’s practically a wardrobe change after four years of wearing the same lucky jacket.

Since drivers have been allowed to choose permanent race numbers back in 2014, Verstappen’s identity has been tied closely to digits. He debuted in F1 with 33 in 2015, before upgrading to the prestigious #1 following his maiden crown in 2021.

That run ended this month, when Norris edged him out for the title in Abu Dhabi – and with it, the right to run the sport’s most coveted number.

Why ‘3’ is Max’s Magic Number

Rather than sulk, Verstappen leaned into the change – and into a number he’s apparently been fond of all along.

After discussions with the FIA, the Dutchman confirmed he’ll race with #3 in 2026, a number previously made famous at Red Bull by Daniel Ricciardo, who bowed out of F1 in 2024.

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“It won't be number '33',” Verstappen told Viaplay. “My favourite number has always been '3', apart from number '1'. We can now switch. It will be number ‘3'.

“'33' was always fine, but I prefer a single 3 to two 3s. I've always said it represented double happiness, but of course, I've already had my luck in F1.”

In classic Verstappen fashion, the explanation was equal parts logic and dry humor. One 3, not two — cleaner, simpler, and perhaps easier on the merchandise designers.

A Fresh Look for a Fresh Chapter

The number swap isn’t the only change coming Verstappen’s way in 2026. Red Bull will also field a new driver lineup, with Isack Hadjar stepping up from Racing Bulls to become Verstappen’s teammate.

Read also: Villeneuve dismisses myth: Red Bull car not tailored to Verstappen

Yuki Tsunoda, meanwhile, moves into a reserve role as the team reshuffles for the new era.

But for Max, the crown may be gone, but the confidence certainly isn’t. Whether it’s #1, #33, or now #3, history suggests the number on the car has never been the most intimidating thing about lining up next to him on the grid.

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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.