There are some noticeable changes to the 2026 F1 driver numbers from the 2025 season, including for Max Verstappen.
Having competed as #1 since 2022, Verstappen lost the right to the number after being defeated by Lando Norris in the title race, with the #1 now Norris's to use.
The world champion is going to use #1 for his 2026 title defence, with the usual #4 frozen for this year, but Verstappen is not changing back to his #33 of 2015-2021.
Instead, under new sporting regulation rules for 2026, drivers are allowed to change their permanent numbers if they so wish, with Verstappen taking the most of this opportunity.
He is to run #3 instead, which formerly belonged to Daniel Ricciardo.
No other driver has taken the opportunity to switch, with only one rookie on the grid in 2026, in Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad.
Lindblad has opted to carry the #41.
In the table below, check out the full confirmed list of 2026 F1 driver numbers, including those for Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Lewis Hamilton.
Every 2026 F1 driver number confirmed in full
| Driver | Number |
|---|---|
| Lando Norris | #1 (#4 reserved as usual race number) |
| Oscar Piastri | #81 |
| George Russell | #63 |
| Kimi Antonelli | #12 |
| Max Verstappen | #3 |
| Isack Hadjar | #6 |
| Charles Leclerc | #16 |
| Lewis Hamilton | #44 |
| Alex Albon | #23 |
| Carlos Sainz | #55 |
| Liam Lawson | #30 |
| Arvid Lindblad | #41 |
| Fernando Alonso | #14 |
| Lance Stroll | #18 |
| Esteban Ocon | #31 |
| Oliver Bearman | #87 |
| Nico Hulkenberg | #27 |
| Gabriel Bortoleto | #5 |
| Pierre Gasly | #10 |
| Franco Colapinto | #43 |
| Valtteri Bottas | #77 |
| Sergio Perez | #11 |
Lando Norris 2026 F1 driver number
Since permanent numbers were introduced in 2014, the #1 has been the reserve of the world champion - a right Norris will adopt in 2026.
Norris's previous number of #4 will be taken out of the pool for the duration of his time as world champion, whilst he carries the #1.
Max Verstappen 2026 F1 driver number
Verstappen no longer has the right to use #1, but is not reverting back to his 2015-2021 number of #33.
A big fan of the #3, Verstappen could not use this previously as Daniel Ricciardo originally claimed the number in 2014 before Verstappen's debut.
With Ricciardo now retired and drivers able to change their number, Verstappen is making the most of the opportunity and will carry the #3 from 2026.
Lewis Hamilton 2026 F1 driver number
Hamilton has never changed his driver number since 2014, remaining faithful to his #44 from his karting days.
During his spell as reigning world champion in 2015-2016 and again from 2018-2021, Hamilton did not run with #1 and stuck with #44, although he did run #1 during an FP1 session in Abu Dhabi in 2018.
For his second year at Ferrari and 20th season in F1, Hamilton will once again stick with #44.
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