Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Max Verstappen has revealed he personally spoke with former team-mate Daniel Ricciardo before adopting race number 3 for the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Ricciardo originally selected the number 3 as his permanent race number when the personal numbering system was introduced in 2014, using it throughout his F1 career until his final appearance at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix. Verstappen, meanwhile, competed with number 33 for several seasons before switching to number 1 in 2022 after becoming world champion.
However, the number 1 can only be used by the reigning drivers’ champion. After Lando Norris secured the 2025 title, Verstappen was required to relinquish the number for the following season.
Instead of reverting to 33, the Red Bull Racing driver approached Ricciardo to ask if he could take over the number 3, which Verstappen described as his favourite racing number since childhood.
“For me, my favourite number was always number 3,” Verstappen told Viaplay.
“I just couldn’t take it at the time because Daniel had it. In Austin we had a good chat over a drink about whether I could take over number three.
“I have a good relationship with Daniel, and he was very happy to give it to me. I’m very thankful for that.”
The process, however, was not straightforward under FIA regulations. Official rules state that a driver’s race number cannot be reused until they have been absent from Formula 1 for two full seasons.
Verstappen’s manager Raymond Vermeulen explained that Red Bull had to pursue an exemption to allow the number to be reassigned earlier.
“Basically it was not possible at first,” Vermeulen said.
“We worked behind the scenes to see if we could claim the number. The rule says a driver must be out of Formula 1 for two years, and technically Daniel had been out for about one and a half years.
“But he was very supportive and agreed Max could use the number. The FIA had to approve it, and eventually Laurent helped make it happen so we could claim it.”
As a result, Verstappen will run with the number 3 in the 2026 season — a number that carries personal significance for the Dutch driver and one that had previously become closely associated with Ricciardo during his Formula 1 career.
Read Also
Lewis Hamilton reflects on his Formula 1 journey and shares a “ridiculous” dream as the Ferrari driver prepares for his historic 20th F1 season in 2026.
Mercedes confirms its Bahrain tyre test personnel have safely returned to the UK after Middle East tensions disrupted travel and forced the test to be abandoned.
FIA confirms the pit lane speed limit for the Australian Grand Prix 2026 at Albert Park will remain 80 km/h despite earlier reports suggesting a reduction.
Continue with Google
Discussion (0)
Join the Discussion!
Sign in easily to start commenting, replying, and interacting with other readers.
Latest Comments
No comments yet. Be the first!