A new number for Verstappen
Formula 1 has had fixed driver numbers for over a decade. Initially, every driver chose a number, and subsequent drivers selected their own when entering the sport. World champions have the option to take number 1, but Lewis Hamilton has never done so, keeping 44 throughout his career. Nico Rosberg retired after winning the title. When Verstappen won his first World Championship, he immediately chose number 1, officially returning the number to Formula 1. However, number 1 will now appear on Lando Norris’ McLaren, as he sets aside number 4. Fans were curious to see which number the Dutch driver would choose next.
Max Verstappen takes Ricciardo’s old number
In his early F1 years, Max Verstappen raced with number 33, a number so iconic that many fans—and even his mother—got it tattooed in his honor. In an interview with ViaPlay, Max Verstappen officially announced his switch to number 3, explaining that it had long been his preferred number: “I won’t race with 33. My favorite number has always been 3, apart from of course number 1. Now I can change it and take 3. Number 33 has always been fine, but I just think 3 is better than 2. I’ve always said it represented double luck, but in Formula 1 I’ve already had my luck.”
At the time of his debut, number 3 was already taken by Daniel Ricciardo, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate. Ricciardo officially retired in 2024 following his quick departure from Racing Bulls, with Dr. Helmut Marko promoting Liam Lawson in his place. With Daniel Ricciardo’s confirmed retirement, number 3 became available and is now officially Max Verstappen’s.
As the grid resets, Max Verstappen’s switch reminds everyone: Even small details matter in the pursuit of greatness. Come Melbourne, #3 will lead Red Bull’s charge into uncharted territory.
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