What number will Max Versappen wear in 2026?

Runner-up in the 2025 World Championship, the series of four consecutive titles of Max Verstappen en Formula 1 has come to an end. The fifth crown he coveted this season slipped through his fingers by a mere two points in Abu Dhabi, to the benefit of Lando NorrisThe Dutchman will therefore lose the privilege of wearing the number 1 on his car next year.

While the logical choice would have been to borrow the number 33 again, with which he began his career, the driver Red Bull to other plans. Indeed, after the 2025 season finale, he declared to the international press: "It probably won't be the 33rd. But let's not think about it."

The four-time world champion will therefore sport a new number on his Red Bull. This change was facilitated by discussions during the last FIA F1 Commission meeting, where it was reportedly agreed that Formula 1 drivers could change their permanent race number, if the measure is ratified by the FIA ​​World Motor Sport Council (WMSC). Until now, they had to use the same number throughout their careers, a practice in place since 2014.

Before winning his first title in 2021, Verstappen wore number 33. He now covets the number 3, his lucky number. The only drawback: it still belongs to Daniel RicciardoIf he hasn't raced in Formula 1 since the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, the Australian can decide to keep it, having left the sport less than two years ago. After this period, the Dutchman will not need to obtain permission from RicciardoHowever, if he wants to change it as early as 2026, he will need the approval of his former teammate.

« Permission must be obtained because, ultimately, this number is not yet available due to Daniel Ricciardo. explains Verstappen to The Telegraph on the sidelines of the Las Vegas GP. It hasn't even been two years since he left Formula 1. I'll see what happens this winter, but of course, my favorite number is 3. Let's see if that's possible first. I don't care if it isn't. »

Conversely, the reigning world champion is not obligated to take the number 1. This was notably the case for Lewis Hamilton after his six titles with Mercedes since 2014. Lando Norris, now the champion, could therefore choose to keep the number 4.

With Louise du Manoir.

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