Daniel Ricciardo has recalled the conversation in which four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen asked for the Australian’s permission to revive his iconic No.3 in the sport.

Since Ricciardo’s retirement from the sport in Singapore 2024, the number was ineligible to use for two full seasons, leaving it collecting dust until 2027.

But the No.3 has been Verstappen’s preferred number since his karting days, and after the two former Red Bull teammates were reunited in Austin 2025, he took the time to ask for Ricciardo’s blessing to release it early.

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Ricciardo admitted it was “a pleasure” to pass on the iconic No.3.

“I got to see Max recently, and with the number three thing, it is quite cool and a cool story for us,” Ricciardo said.

“Also, for the fans of F1 who supported Max and I when we were teammates. So when I caught up with Max in Austin [in 2025], he mentioned that he wanted to take the number three.

“Of course, I was very, very happy to say yes because otherwise he would have had to wait one more year, so it is a pleasure for me to pass that number on to him.”

For 2026, Verstappen can no longer run the number one as the reigning world champion; that honour goes to McLaren and Lando Norris‘ garage.

The number three in Formula 1 has a new home.

The No.3 in Formula 1 has a new home.  Getty

Verstappen was set to revert to his permanent race number of No.33. But a change in the sporting regulations for the 2026 season, along with a huge overhaul of the technical regulations, allowed drivers to change their number if they so wished.

Now, a piece of Ricciardo’s iconic career in Formula 1 will re-join the paddock for the upcoming season.

Verstappen will sport the No.3 for pre-season testing, which begins on February 11, and at the Australian Grand Prix on March 6-8.