Max Verstappen opens one of the most curious chapters of the new season with a touch of humor: his switch to number 3, the symbolic legacy of Daniel Ricciardo, stems from a lighthearted exchange and a choice deeply rooted in his personal history.
A playful exchange for Ricciardo’s number
The three-time world champion confirmed that he will race with number 3 in 2026, revealing during the Red Bull livery presentation that a moment of camaraderie with Daniel Ricciardo was decisive in securing the number made famous by the Australian. “A couple of drinks together, yes, that always helps,” Max Verstappen joked in an interview with CBS News.
The change became necessary after number 1 was passed to the 2025 world champion, Lando Norris. Max Verstappen, coming off four consecutive titles from 2021 to 2024, had even considered more eccentric alternatives—like 69—before settling on a number that feels deeply personal to him.
“Three has always been my number”
In an interview with Viaplay, Max Verstappen explained that number 3 represents a natural choice, more authentic than the 33 that accompanied him until his first world title. “It won’t be number 33. My favorite number has always been three, aside from number one. Now we can change it, so it will be number 3. Number 33 was fine, but I prefer a single 3 rather than two. I always said it represented double luck, but I’ve already had my luck in Formula 1,” he said.
The decision places him symbolically in the footsteps of great champions who have raced with number 3, including Michael Schumacher, adding an extra layer of meaning to his new identity on track.
The return to number 3 is not just a nostalgic gesture: it is Verstappen’s way of reaffirming his essence during a transitional period for Formula 1. Blending humor, tradition, and personal choice, the Dutch driver is set to begin a new phase of his career with a number that truly feels his own.
Max Verstappen’s return to the number 3 signals a personal reset as he enters the 2026 technical era without the champion’s number 1 on his nosecone for the first time in years. By reclaiming the number he originally wanted—which was occupied by Daniel Ricciardo when Nax Verstappen first entered F1—the Red Bull driver is aligning his visual identity with his karting roots. This move, settled over drinks with his former teammate, highlights the unique blend of ruthless competition and off-track friendship that defines the modern paddock as it prepares for the high-stakes battles of 2026.
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