Verstappen Eyes Ricciardo's Number 3 for 2026 F1 Season

Max Verstappen has hinted he may seek to use the number '3' for the 2026 Formula 1 season, a number currently held by his former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo. While Ricciardo is reportedly open to relinquishing it, formal approval is required, and the final decision rests with Red Bull and the FIA, which will announce the official driver numbers on December 20.

Why it matters:

Driver numbers in F1 carry significant personal and marketing weight, becoming part of a driver's identity. Verstappen's potential switch from his iconic '33' or the champion's number '1' to '3' would mark a notable personal branding shift. Furthermore, a rule change now permits drivers to change their permanent numbers during their careers, making this a test case for future number transfers between active competitors.

The details:

• Verstappen lost the right to use the number '1' after finishing second in the 2025 World Championship to Lando Norris.
• He expressed a desire not to return to his old '33', instead naming '3' as his favorite. The number is officially allocated to Daniel Ricciardo until the end of the 2026 season under FIA regulations.
• Recent speculation was fueled when Verstappen was seen testing a Mercedes-AMG GT3 car in Portugal sporting the number '3'.
• PlanetF1.com reports indicate Ricciardo is amenable to giving up the number, but the Honey Badger has deferred comment, directing inquiries back to Red Bull.

Between the lines:

Verstappen's lighthearted admission that he initially wanted the number '69' for its consistent appearance in photos and marketing potential reveals a pragmatic, brand-conscious side often overshadowed by his on-track intensity. His secondary preference for '27', currently used by Nico Hülkenberg, and his appreciation for the aesthetic of '2' and '7' together show he has given the choice considerable thought beyond mere superstition.

What's next:

The FIA is set to confirm all driver numbers for the 2026 season on December 20. If Verstappen does not secure the '3', he will default back to his original number '33'. The outcome will set a precedent for how driver number transfers are handled under the new, more flexible regulations.