Max Verstappen has officially confirmed that he plans to race with a different number in the 2026 Formula 1 season. His preferred choice is the number 3, which is currently associated with Daniel Ricciardo, whose number Verstappen may be able to take if the rules permit.
Verstappen revealed that he is eager to switch to the number 3 but needs approval from the FIA and the FIA’s World Motorsport Council (WMSC) because of recent rule changes. Historically, drivers have been unable to change their career race numbers once chosen, unless they win the championship, in which case they get to use the number 1. However, recent rule updates now allow drivers to request a number change during their career, provided they get FIA approval.
The Rules Behind The Change
The new regulation is a major departure from the usual fixed-number rule introduced in 2014. Now, drivers can switch numbers from season to season if approved, which is a game-changer for fans and drivers alike. For Max Verstappen, who has raced both the #1 car as world champion and the #33, the possibility of switching to his favourite #3 is exciting, provided Ricciardo’s current number is available, since Daniel Ricciardo has not been out of F1 for the necessary two-year cooling-off period.
What’s Next For Max Verstappen?
Max Verstappen is waiting to see if he will get the green light come winter. He made it clear that his favourite is number 3, but he isn’t rushing; he’ll wait for the official approval before making any final decision. If permitted, this move could add more personal flair to his identity on the grid and excite fans who love the backstory behind the numbers. Everything will be confirmed in the off-season, but the anticipation is already building.
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