Ricciardo has recalled how Verstappen asked him for permission to use his race number.
Daniel Ricciardo recently shared the memory of when Max Verstappen asked him for permission to use the number 3 starting from the 2026 season. The story dates back to the 2025 United States Grand Prix, when the Dutch driver was already set to lose the world title to McLaren.
In 2026, the 28-year-old will drive the #3 car, as the #1, which had been associated with him for four years, has now passed to the newly crowned world champion Lando Norris. However, it could be said that Verstappen is breaking a small Formula 1 rule by taking the Australian driver’s number.
Since 2014, every driver has been allowed to choose a number between 2 and 99 that would identify them throughout their entire career. For this season, however, a change to the sporting regulations allowed drivers to change their number if they wished. Of course, it is still not possible to choose a number that is already in use, a retired number, or a frozen number.
According to the rules, a driver’s number is frozen for two full seasons after their last race, which in Daniel Ricciardo’s case was the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. This leaves the number frozen and available only in the event of a return to the sport. This meant that the #3 could not normally be selected again until the 2027 season.
However, given that the Australian has retired from racing, he gave his blessing to Verstappen, who will soon be driving the #3 car. In doing so, the four-time world champion sets another record, becoming the first driver to change race number since permanent numbers were introduced in Formula 1 back in 2014.
Ricciardo’s memory
Recalling his conversation with Max Verstappen, Daniel Ricciardo revealed that the Dutchman first mentioned the idea during last season’s visit to Austin.
“I had the chance to see Max again recently and the whole number three situation is really interesting. And for us, it’s a great story,” the Australian said. “And it will also be [a great story] for the F1 fans who supported me and Max when we were teammates. When I met Max in Austin [in 2025], he told me that he wanted to take the number three.”
Referring to the rule regarding frozen numbers, the former Red Bull driver admitted that he did not want to make the 28-year-old wait an entire extra year to be able to use the #3.
“I was obviously very, very happy to say yes, because otherwise he would have had to wait another year. So it was a pleasure for me to pass that number on to him,” he concluded.
Seeing the number 3 on Verstappen’s car will serve as a permanent nod to one of the most beloved pairings in recent Formula 1 history. While the regulations provided a hurdle, the mutual respect between these two champions allowed for a rare exception that fans will surely appreciate. This transition marks more than just a logistical change; it symbolizes the enduring bond of the “Honey Badger” and the “Lion” as they both enter new chapters of their storied careers.
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