Max Verstappen Pulls Off a Daring Negotiation to Snag Daniel Ricciardo’s Legendary Number Three for 2026!
In a thrilling behind-the-scenes revelation, four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has shared the intriguing story of how he convinced the charismatic Daniel Ricciardo to relinquish his iconic race number three for the upcoming 2026 season. This bold move comes as Verstappen faces a significant change in his racing identity after Lando Norris opted to seize the coveted number one, which Verstappen has proudly carried for the last four seasons.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for Verstappen, who found himself needing to select a new number after his title defeat. Rather than returning to the number 33 that he previously sported, Verstappen has his sights set on Ricciardo’s old number three, a digit he has admired since his rookie days in F1 but was unable to claim due to Ricciardo’s prior ownership.
Now, with Ricciardo stepping away from the grid, the Dutch powerhouse revealed just how he managed to secure the right to use the fabled number three: “A couple drinks,” Verstappen quipped during Red Bull’s season launch in Detroit, hinting at the lighthearted negotiations that took place.
But why the number three? Verstappen has long harbored a fondness for this numeral, second only to his champion’s number one. In an exclusive end-of-season interview with Viaplay, Verstappen elaborated on his sentimental attachment, stating, “My favorite number has always been three, besides one. Daniel Ricciardo always had it but we’re allowed to switch now. 33 was always fine but I think one three is prettier than two threes. I always said it was for double luck but I already had that in F1 so we don’t really need to think about that anymore.”
With his sights firmly set on reclaiming the number one in 2027, Verstappen’s ambitions are crystal clear. The pressure is on him to outpace Norris, who currently holds the championship title. The upcoming season will be pivotal, especially with the sweeping regulatory changes that are set to shake up the F1 landscape.
As Verstappen gears up for this new chapter, fans are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating how the dynamics will unfold in 2026. Will Verstappen’s luck change with the number three? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the battle for supremacy in Formula 1 is far from over!
