As the drivers embark on their F1 careers, they are required to choose a number between 2 and 99, which forms part of their identity and branding.
This year, the field will see three 'new' numbers as two drivers make a change, while Arvid Lindblad joins as a rookie.
A recent regulation change now allows drivers to switch their numbers if they are granted permission from the FIA.
Max Verstappen has successfully been allowed to swap his number. Having been expected to return to '33' this year after missing out on the title last year, he will instead use the number '3'.
Lando Norris moves from '4' to '1' as the reigning world champion reserves the right to use the '1' on their car.
Lindblad, meanwhile, enters the season as the only rookie and will use number '41' for his F1 career.
The grid will also see the return of numbers '11' and '77' for Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas respectively, who have signed on as Cadillac's drivers.
See an overview of the 2026 F1 driver numbers below!
| Driver | Team | Race No. | Previous Owner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lando Norris | McLaren | #1 | Reserved for champion |
| Oscar Piastri | McLaren | #81 | No previous owner |
| George Russell | Mercedes | #63 | No previous owner |
| Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | #12 | Felipe Nasr |
| Max Verstappen | Red Bull | #3 | Daniel Ricciardo |
| Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | #6 | Nico Rosberg / Nicholas Latifi |
| Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | #16 | No previous owner |
| Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | #44 | No previous owner |
| Alex Albon | Williams | #23 | No previous owner |
| Carlos Sainz | Williams | #55 | No previous owner |
| Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | #30 | Jolyon Palmer |
| Arvid Lindblad | Racing Bulls | #41 | No previous owner |
| Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | #14 | No previous owner |
| Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | #18 | No previous owner |
| Esteban Ocon | Haas | #31 | No previous owner |
| Oliver Bearman | Haas | #87 | No previous owner |
| Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | #27 | No previous owner |
| Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | #5 | Sebastian Vettel |
| Pierre Gasly | Alpine | #10 | Kamui Kobayashi |
| Franco Colapinto | Alpine | #43 | No previous owner |
| Sergio Perez | Cadillac | #11 | No previous owner |
| Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | #77 | No previous owner |
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