Max Verstappen is not the only driver who will race with a ‘new’ starting number next season in Formula 1. Two other drivers have also chosen their (different) starting numbers with the FIA: Lando Norris and Arvid Lindblad.
Starting next season in Formula 1, it will be possible to change starting numbers. Max Verstappen is the only driver making use of that option, GPblog understands after speaking with all the teams.
However, Lando Norris will opt for a different number; as the new world champion, he will use the number 1 in 2026.
Photo: Race Pictures
There is one rookie next season. Arvid Lindblad has informed the FIA which number he wants to race with. The Racing Bulls Briton has chosen #41.
The remaining drivers will stick with the starting numbers they already used in 2025.
The full starting list for the 2026 seasonDriverTeamStarting number Lando Norris McLaren 1 Oscar Piastri McLaren 81 George Russell Mercedes 63 Andrea Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 12 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 3 Isack Hadjar Red Bull Racing 6 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 16 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 44 Carlos Sainz Williams 55 Alexander Albon Williams 23 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls 30 Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls 41 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 14 Lance Stroll Aston Martin 18 Esteban Ocon Haas 31 Oliver Bearman Haas 87 Nico Hulkenberg Audi 27 Gabriel Bortoleto Audi 5 Pierre Gasly Alpine 10 Franco Colapinto Alpine 43 Valtteri Bottas Cadillac 77 Sergio Perez Cadillac 11 Want to stay up-to-date with what happens in the F1 paddock? Then GPblog’s F1 Paddock Update video is the perfect way to do it. Subscribe to GPblog’s YouTube channel and turn on notifications to never miss the latest episodes.