Verstappen on Hamilton's Ferrari Struggles, Three Drivers Change Numbers for 2026

Max Verstappen expressed sympathy for Lewis Hamilton's difficult debut season at Ferrari, while the FIA's provisional 2026 entry list revealed three drivers will switch their permanent numbers, including new champion Lando Norris claiming the number one. The list also confirms Arvid Lindblad's Racing Bulls seat and his chosen number for his rookie year.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's first year at Ferrari, marked by a podium drought and performance struggles, represents a significant shift in the competitive dynamic between the two most recent title rivals. Separately, the number changes for 2026, triggered by Norris's championship win, offer a tangible symbol of the sport's evolving driver hierarchy and new generation taking center stage.

The details:

• Verstappen's Reaction: The Red Bull driver told Viaplay it was "painful" and "not nice to see" Hamilton struggle so markedly at Ferrari, where the seven-time champion failed to score a podium and generally lagged behind teammate Charles Leclerc. Verstappen acknowledged Hamilton's resilience, stating, "He doesn’t give up, so he’ll definitely be there next year."
• 2026 Driver Numbers: With Lando Norris winning the 2025 world championship, he will exercise his right to use the number one, moving on from his familiar number four.
• Verstappen's New Digit: As the dethroned champion, Max Verstappen will adopt the number three for 2026. This number was last used by Daniel Ricciardo in 2024, meaning Verstappen will not return to the number 33 he used from 2015-2021.
• Lindblad's Debut: The official entry list confirms that British rookie Arvid Lindblad will race for Racing Bulls alongside Liam Lawson. Lindblad has selected the number 41 for his debut Formula 1 season.

What's next:

All eyes will be on whether Hamilton and Ferrari can rebound from their disappointing 2025 campaign. For Norris, carrying the number one brings a new kind of pressure as defending champion. The finalized 2026 grid, with its new number assignments, will officially take shape as pre-season testing begins.