Max Verstappen reveals new race number: This is it!
It had been in the air for a while, but Max Verstappen is no longer keeping it a secret. Next season, he will race with the number 3 in Formula 1. This became clear from a large sign above his pit box in Estoril, where the Dutchman completed a GT test on Tuesday.
After relinquishing start number 1 – no longer being the reigning champion – it was expected that Verstappen would switch to a new number for 2026. He had previously suggested it would no longer be 33.
Number three for Verstappen
Verstappen had stayed tight-lipped in recent weeks about which number he would choose. However, he always had the option to switch to his favourite number 3, as GPblog exclusively reported last week. That number had previously been used by Daniel Ricciardo.
The FIA informed GPblog that the new start number rules have now been finalised, and the 2026 regulations still include a two-year waiting period before a number becomes available. Since Ricciardo only left Formula 1 in September 2024, Verstappen would not technically have been eligible to claim number 3 for 2026.
There was, however, a workaround. The FIA explained that if a former driver voluntarily relinquishes the rights to a number, the waiting period no longer applies. Discussions with Ricciardo’s team soon confirmed that the Australian was willing to give up the number.
Verstappen’s new number
During the GT3 test in Portugal, Verstappen seems to have put all speculation to rest. As shown in the photo below, the Dutchman has made his choice. It will be officially confirmed on December 20, when the FIA publishes the 2026 entry list.
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