Max Verstappen hides a secret message in his new F1 number: why it’s more than just a 3
Max Verstappen is changing his number in Formula 1 for 2026: he returns to the number 3, but within its design, a hidden 1 can be seen. Here’s why this choice is not random and what lies behind it.
While Max Verstappen’s racing number is changing, its significance remains the same. Starting in 2026, the Dutch driver will no longer be able to use the iconic number 1, which is reserved for the new World Champion Lando Norris, who will leave his historic 4 to wear the symbol assigned to the reigning drivers’ champion. The 28-year-old from Hasselt, however, will compete with number 3, the number he had wanted since his Formula 1 debut.
But the choice is not just symbolic. In the official design of the new number 3, shared on social media by Red Bull Racing, a fan noticed a surprising detail: rotating the graphic 180 degrees reveals a clearly stylized “1” embedded within the number. This hidden message, which quickly went viral, conveys far more than it appears at first glance.
The discovery was highlighted by Behnaz Shamsini, senior brand designer at Red Bull Racing, who reshared the image without comment, only adding a sunglasses emoji. No official confirmation, no denial: just enough to fuel a symbolic reading of the move.
The number 3 has always been Verstappen’s favorite. In 2015, upon entering Formula 1, he could not choose it because it was already assigned to Daniel Ricciardo. This led to the adoption of 33, which became his personal brand until he won his first World Championship in 2021 and switched to number 1. Now that the 3 is available again, the circle is complete.
But that graphic detail tells another story: Verstappen formally gives up the number 1, but not his identity as a champion. The hidden reference echoes a long tradition in motorsport and sports branding (similar to the old Formula 1 logo with its “invisible 1”) and strengthens the bond between the driver, his fans, and his public image.
In 2026, Max Verstappen will race with number 3, but will continue to carry, visually, the symbolic weight of number 1. It is a subtle message, consistent with his approach to motorsport: fewer words, more action. And it also conveys, in a not-so-hidden way, his promise to earn it again on track soon.
As the grid prepares for the 2026 era, this clever piece of design ensures that while Lando Norris may hold the title, the presence of the former champion will be felt every time the Red Bull leaves the garage. It’s a clever bit of psychological warfare in a sport where every millimeter—and every symbol—counts.
Leave a Reply