Ricciardo passes iconic No. 3 to Verstappen in emotional moment

Daniel Ricciardo warmly welcomed Max Verstappen's adoption of his iconic racing number 3 in a candid moment caught on camera, highlighting their enduring friendship. The number, a key part of Ricciardo's brand during his F1 career, was formally passed to the four-time champion after he lost No. 1 to 2025 title-winner Lando Norris and chose not to revert to his old No. 33.

Why it matters:

In Formula 1, driver numbers are powerful personal brands. Ricciardo's gracious handover of his signature number to his former teammate and rival symbolizes a deep mutual respect that transcends on-track competition. This gesture and their genuine camaraderie resonate deeply with fans, offering a humanizing glimpse into the relationships behind the helmets.

The details:

• The moment occurred at the Red Bull Ford launch event in Detroit, where Ricciardo spotted the No. 3 on Verstappen's cap and greeted it with a cheerful "C'est magnifique," sparking laughter with Verstappen and his new teammate Isack Hadjar.
• Ricciardo recently explained his quick approval in an interview with GQ Sports, noting that by agreeing immediately, he allowed Verstappen to use the number for the 2026 season without having to wait an additional year.
• Fan reaction on forums like Reddit has been overwhelmingly positive, with many celebrating the "best bromance in F1" and noting how happy Ricciardo appears in his post-driving life.

What's next:

The No. 3 will now define the next chapter of Max Verstappen's career as he seeks to reclaim the championship. For fans, this exchange cements a beloved storyline in modern F1 history—a testament to sportsmanship and friendship that will be remembered long after both drivers have retired.