![\"Verstappen](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/XPB_1250134_HiRes-1.jpg\")
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMax Verstappen (left) with Daniel Ricciardo during a press conference at the 2023 Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix. Image: Price \/ XPB Images<\/p>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMax Verstappen (left) with Daniel Ricciardo during a press conference at the 2023 Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix. Image: Price \/ XPB Images<\/p>\n
The Dutchman has carried #1 since the start of the 2022 season as the world champion, but is unable to retain it next year after Lando Norris claimed the 2025 title.<\/p>\n
The McLaren driver confirmed he will run the champion\u2019s number in 2026<\/a>.<\/p>\n Rather than reverting to #33 he used from his debut in 2015 through to the end of 2021, Verstappen has opted for a fresh start and has elected to go with #3 next year.<\/p>\n The move has been made possible by a recent FIA rule change allowing drivers to change their permanent numbers during their careers.<\/p>\n \u201cIt won\u2019t be number 33,\u201d Verstappen told Viaplay.<\/p>\n \u201cMy favourite number has always been 3, apart from number 1.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can now switch. It will be number 3.<\/p>\n \u201c33 was always fine, but I prefer a single 3 to two 3s. I\u2019ve always said it represented double happiness, but of course, I\u2019ve already had my luck in F1.\u201d<\/p>\n The number carries added significance at Red Bull, having been used by Ricciardo throughout his Formula 1 career until his retirement from the sport in 2024.<\/p>\n Ricciardo raced with the number from 2014, when drivers were first allowed to select permanent race numbers, including during his time as Verstappen\u2019s team-mate at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018.<\/p>\n Under previous regulations, Verstappen would have been required to wait two full seasons before Ricciardo\u2019s number became available.<\/p>\n However, the FIA has confirmed a driver can claim a number earlier if the former holder voluntarily relinquishes it, with Ricciardo granting permission for Verstappen to take over the number from 2026.<\/p>\n Verstappen was recently seen with the number 3 displayed above his pit box during a GT test in Portugal<\/a>, further underlining the decision ahead of the official release of the 2026 entry list later this month.<\/p>\n The switch comes as Verstappen heads into F1\u2019s new regulations era off the back of a narrow title defeat, having finished the 2025 season just two points behind Norris, and with a new team-mate alongside him following the promotion of Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls.<\/p>\n
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