Max Verstappen reveals new F1 driver number

Max Verstappen has confirmed he will enter the 2026 F1 season with a new driver number.

Having used the number '1' across the last four campaigns as the reigning champion, Verstappen is ineligible to use it next year after Lando Norris won the title earlier this month.

The number '1' is reserved for the champion, but it is not obligatory to use it - however, Norris has already confirmed he will run the number for the 2026 season.

From 2015 to 2021, Verstappen was associated with the number '33' on his car, having chosen the figure at the start of his F1 career.

But next year, Verstappen will not revert to his old number - instead, he will use the number '3'.

A recent FIA rule change opened the door for drivers to change their racing numbers during their F1 careers, a move that previously was forbidden.

Daniel Ricciardo was the last driver to use the number '3' in 2024, but has since confirmed his retirement from the sport.

Verstappen has revealed he has now got permission from the FIA to use his former team-mate's number from 2026.

“It won't be number '33',” Verstappen told Viaplay. “My favourite number has always been '3', apart from number '1'. 

“We can now switch. It will be number '3'.

“'33' was always fine, but I prefer a single 3 to two 3s. I've always said it represented double happiness, but of course, I've already had my luck in F1.”

Verstappen ended the 2025 season an agonising two points behind title-winner Norris.

The Dutchman enters next year's campaign with a new team-mate alongside him following the promotion of Isack Hadjar.