Max Verstappen is expected to return to the track soon carrying a new race number on his car: the number 3, previously made famous by Daniel Ricciardo. While the change may appear purely procedural at first glance, the story behind it carries deep sporting and personal meaning, as explained directly by the Australian driver.
Formula 1 has officially resumed with the first closed-door pre-season test sessions in Barcelona. On the opening day of running, Red Bull sent only Isack Hadjar out on track, while Verstappen remained on the sidelines. However, when the Dutch driver does eventually begin his test programme, fans will notice a significant change on his car: the appearance of the #3, a number long associated with Daniel Ricciardo.
The transfer of the number 3 from Daniel Ricciardo to Max Verstappen goes far beyond a simple regulatory matter. It represents a symbolic gesture rooted in mutual respect and shared history. The two drivers were teammates at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018, forming one of the most memorable and competitive driver pairings of recent Formula 1 history.
During those seasons, Verstappen and Ricciardo delivered race wins, fierce internal battles and iconic moments that helped shape Red Bull’s modern identity. That shared past is what makes the passing of the number particularly meaningful, both for the drivers involved and for long-time F1 fans.
In an interview with GQ Magazine, Daniel Ricciardo explained how the idea came about and the emotions behind the decision. “I’ve had the chance to see Max recently. And then, you know, the story of the number 3 is quite beautiful, it’s a special story for us and also for the F1 fans who supported me and Max when we were teammates,” said the Australian.
Ricciardo then went on to describe the moment Max Verstappen approached him about the number. “When I saw Max again in Austin and he told me that he wanted to take the number 3, obviously I was very, very happy to say yes, because otherwise I think he would have had to wait another year. So yes, for me it’s a pleasure to pass this number on to him now,” the former Red Bull driver confirmed.
A bond that goes beyond the track
Following his departure from Formula 1 at the end of the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo entered a new chapter of his professional life. The Australian is now working alongside Ford, taking on a role connected to sporting projects and brand representation, while still maintaining a close relationship with the world of motorsport.
It was within this professional context that Ricciardo and Verstappen recently crossed paths again. The two met during a promotional event linked to the new partnership between Red Bull and Ford. Also present at the event was Arvid Lindblad, the young driver taking his first steps with Racing Bulls.
Although informal in nature, the meeting carried strong symbolic value. It once again highlighted the mutual respect between Ricciardo and Verstappen, two drivers who have played key roles in shaping modern Formula 1 and Red Bull’s recent success.
The choice of Verstappen to adopt the number 3 therefore represents more than a visual change on the car. It serves as a reminder of shared history, competitive spirit and a professional bond that has endured well beyond their time as teammates.
As the 2026 pre-season continues to develop, the appearance of the #3 on Verstappen’s Red Bull marks a poetic full circle for the team. While the technical regulations have changed the cars significantly, the human stories within the paddock remain as compelling as ever. Seeing Verstappen carry Ricciardo’s legacy on his car adds a layer of sentiment to a season that is otherwise defined by ruthless engineering and fierce competition.
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