Max will drive with number 3 in 2026: 'I just like it better'

Published on 18 December 2025 by Niels Hendrix

Max Verstappen will race with number 3 during the 2026 Formula 1 season. It fulfils a long-cherished wish of the four-time world champion, who used number 1 from 2022 to 2025, courtesy of his four titles in a row.

“It won't be number 33. My favourite number has always been 3, apart from number 1. We can now swap, so it’ll be number 3”, Max revealed in his end-of-year interview on Viaplay, which was released on Wednesday. “Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one 3 better than two. I always said it represented double luck, but I've already had my luck in Formula 1.”

The FIA ​​recently amended the regulations regarding the use of starting numbers, which opened up the opportunity to switch. Under the previous rules, changing was not possible. In addition, Daniel Ricciardo, who used number 3 until he retired after 2024, cooperated, thus enabling Max to sport his favourite number on next year’s Red Bull.