Max Verstappen to Race with Car Number 3 in 2026 Season
Max Verstappen has announced that he will race with car number 3 in the 2026 Formula 1 season. This change follows Lando Norris winning the championship title, narrowly defeating Verstappen by just two points.
Verstappen’s Championship Journey
Verstappen made his F1 debut in 2015 with Toro Rosso and began racing with the number 33. His career trajectory changed dramatically when he claimed his first World Championship title in 2021, earning the right to race with the number 1.
For four consecutive seasons, he held the title of World Champion until Norris challenged him and ultimately triumphed in the 2025 season. Norris secured his championship by finishing third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a significant achievement in his career with McLaren.
Switch to Car Number 3
Instead of reverting to his original number 33, Verstappen has chosen to adopt the number 3, previously used by his ex-teammate Daniel Ricciardo. The two raced together at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018.
Verstappen expressed his excitement about this switch in an interview with Viaplay. He stated, “It won’t be number 33. My favorite number has always been 3, apart from number 1. Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one 3 better than two.”
Approval for Number Change
- The FIA has approved Verstappen’s switch to number 3.
- Ricciardo, who retired from F1 after the 2024 season, also gave his consent for the number’s return.
Verstappen concluded that racing with the number 3 has been a lifelong dream. He believes that it symbolizes double luck, although he feels he has already enjoyed significant luck in his Formula 1 career.
