Max Verstappen has chosen the race number he will use when he returns to the grid in the 2026 Formula 1 season, after being forced to give up the iconic #1 reserved by regulation for the reigning world champion.
With Lando Norris securing the world title, Max Verstappen’s run of four consecutive championships with Red Bull has come to an end. As a direct consequence, the Dutch driver must relinquish the number #1, which is automatically assigned to the current title holder. Just a few hours ago, Max Verstappen revealed which race number he has selected for the 2026 campaign.
Max Verstappen’s choice
Although it has not yet been officially confirmed, Max Verstappen revealed to Viaplay that he will race with the number #3 from next season. He will therefore abandon the #33, the number with which he made his Formula 1 debut and achieved his first successes at the top level of motorsport.
“My favourite number has always been #3, apart from #1 obviously,” Max Verstappen explained. “Now that we can change it, I’ll take #3.”
He also reflected on leaving behind the number that accompanied him for much of his career. “#33 has always been good to me, but I prefer a single 3. I said it represented double luck, but I think I’ve already had enough luck in Formula 1.”
Alongside the number 3, many fans had speculated that Verstappen could opt for #69, a number to which the four-time world champion is particularly attached. However, the Dutch driver himself dismissed that idea with a joke.
“That’s also a nice number. But every time I mention it in an interview, Kelly looks at me like, ‘What nonsense are you talking about?’ And I reply, ‘Yes, you have to have some fun sometimes.’”
The #3 in Formula 1
This is far from the first time the number #3 has appeared in Formula 1. Looking back a few years, many fans will remember that it was the race number used by Daniel Ricciardo throughout his entire Formula 1 career.
But the history of #3 in the sport goes even further. Back in 2000, Michael Schumacher won his third world championship using the number #3, securing his first title at the wheel of a Ferrari and writing a crucial chapter in Formula 1 history.
This decision underscores Verstappen’s confidence heading into the new regulations era. Whether #3 brings more championship success remains to be seen, but it’s a bold move from one of F1’s modern greats. Stay tuned for official entry lists and more 2026 updates!
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