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Max Verstappen shakes up F1 with shocking new driver number for 2026 season

Miguel Cunha by Miguel Cunha
December 17, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 2 mins read
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Max Verstappen shakes up F1 with shocking new driver number for 2026 season

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - DECEMBER 07: Max Verstappen of the Netherlands driving the (1) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB21 leads Isack Hadjar of France driving the (6) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 02 on track during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on December 07, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202512070358 // Usage for editorial use only //

Max Verstappen Unveils Shocking New Driver Number for 2026 F1 Season!

In an explosive revelation that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport world, Max Verstappen has announced he will be sporting a brand-new driver number as the highly anticipated 2026 Formula 1 season approaches. After dominating the grid with the coveted number ‘1’ for four consecutive seasons as the reigning champion, Verstappen finds himself in a unique situation as the title has now shifted to none other than Lando Norris, who clinched the championship just last month.

While the number ‘1’ is traditionally reserved for the reigning champion, it is not mandatory for the titleholder to use it. Norris has made it clear that he will proudly don the number for the upcoming season, leaving Verstappen to make a bold decision about his own identity on the track.

From 2015 to 2021, Verstappen was known for his association with the number ’33’, a figure he chose at the dawn of his F1 career. However, in a surprising twist, he has confirmed that he will not return to that beloved number. Instead, the Dutch racing sensation will take the wheel with the number ‘3’ emblazoned on his car.

This significant change comes in the wake of a recent rule adjustment by the FIA, which now allows drivers to switch their racing numbers throughout their careers—a move that was previously off-limits. The last driver to utilize the number ‘3’ was Daniel Ricciardo in 2024, but he has since stepped away from the sport, paving the way for Verstappen to adopt the number.

In an exclusive interview with Viaplay, Verstappen expressed his excitement about the change: “It won’t be number ’33’. My favourite number has always been ‘3’, apart from number ‘1’. We can now switch. It will be number ‘3’. ’33’ was always fine, but I prefer a single 3 to two 3s. I’ve always said it represented double happiness, but of course, I’ve already had my luck in F1.”

As the 2025 season came to a heart-wrenching close, Verstappen finished just two points shy of Norris, intensifying the competition for the upcoming season. With a new teammate, Isack Hadjar, stepping into the ring alongside him, the stakes have never been higher.

The Formula 1 community is buzzing with anticipation as fans eagerly await the start of the new season and the fresh dynamics that come with Verstappen’s daring number change. Will his new choice bring him the luck he seeks? One thing is certain: the 2026 season is gearing up to be one for the history books, and all eyes will be on the track as these titans clash in their quest for glory! Don’t miss out on any of the exhilarating action—mark your calendars for the 2026 F1 season and buckle up for the ride of a lifetime!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2026-formula-1-seasonDaniel RicciardoLando Norrismax-verstappen-en
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