Max Verstappen has expressed his wish to change his race number to three for the 2026 season if he loses his F1 title and can no longer use number one on his Red Bull car.

When he first entered the sport, the 28-year-old used number 33, which became closely associated with him in racing circles. However, he had to settle for this number as his future teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, had already claimed number three.

After winning his first world championship in 2021, Verstappen switched to number one, reserved for defending champions, and has kept it ever since. But with the 2025 championship likely going to Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, the Red Bull driver must now decide on a new number.

During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen confirmed his plan to switch to number three starting in 2026, pending approval from the FIA and Ricciardo. Ricciardo retired from motorsport earlier in the year after leaving Racing Bulls in the 2024 season.

Verstappen humorously mentioned his interest in number 69 but acknowledged that number three is his favorite. He also noted his fondness for number 27, which is already taken by Nico, and the visual appeal of numbers 2 and 7 together.

Fortunately, Ricciardo is expected to support Verstappen’s number change, as the two have maintained a strong friendship even after Ricciardo’s move to Renault and his subsequent retirement from open-wheel motorsport.

Formula 1 enthusiasts can now catch all practice, qualifying, and race sessions live with Sky’s new Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle, which includes over 100 TV channels and free access to Netflix and Discovery+.

In a statement to fans last September, Ricciardo announced his partnership with Ford as a Global Ford Racing Ambassador, emphasizing his enduring passion for motorsports and the joy it has brought him over the years.