Max Verstappen has hinted that he might decide to change his race number. As he prepares for a crucial Las Vegas weekend that could define his world championship battle, the Dutch driver is also entertaining the idea of adopting a new number for the future, especially if he fails to secure another title. In his mind, the number belongs to a former Formula 1 driver and close friend.
Max Verstappen arrives in Las Vegas with a 49-point deficit to Lando Norris and must score a substantial haul of points to remain mathematically in the fight for the world championship. The Dutchman needs to leave Nevada with a gap to the British driver that does not exceed 58 points.
If Max Verstappen loses nine or more points to Lando Norris in this specific race, he would be forced to say goodbye to the dream of a fifth consecutive world title. Should he fail to finish ahead of both McLaren drivers in this championship fight, the Hasselt-born driver would have to give up the number 1 and return to his original race number, the 33.
Recently, however, the Formula 1 Commission has approved changes to the rules regarding number changes. According to the current regulations, a driver must keep the same number for their entire career, unless they win a championship, which allows them to use number 1.
The new provisions, approved by the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC), will allow a driver to change their number starting from the next season, provided that the council grants approval.
When asked about the possibility of changing his number in 2026, Max Verstappen explained to the media: “It is an interesting question. First of all, you need approval, because the number I would want is not available yet.”
The number he had in mind is in fact Daniel Ricciardo’s #3. The Australian driver said farewell to Formula 1 in September 2024. Currently, a driver’s number remains “frozen” for two years to protect the driver in case of a return to the grid. That is the obstacle standing between Verstappen and the number previously used by his former Red Bull teammate.
“I will see how things go during the winter, but obviously my favorite number is 3. First, we need to see if it will be possible,” Max Verstappen concluded.
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