Max Verstappen has confirmed he’ll race with the quantity three on his automobile throughout the 2026 System 1 season.
Verstappen has pushed with the primary on his automobile for the final 4 years having reigned as world champion all through that interval, however Lando Norris will take over that honour in 2026 after claiming his maiden drivers’ title.
The champion shouldn’t be obliged to make use of primary, however Norris confirmed to Sky Sports activities F1 earlier this month that he’ll observe in Verstappen’s footsteps.
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Sky Sports activities’ Craig Slater speaks to the newly topped world champion Lando Norris after his 2025 title victory
Earlier than changing into world champion, Verstappen raced with the quantity 33 at Toro Rosso and Crimson Bull from 2015-2021.
Drivers had been beforehand required to stay with the identical quantity – until they turn out to be champion – all through their F1 careers, however a current modification to the principles means switches at the moment are attainable.
Throughout an interview with Viaplay, Verstappen stated: “It will not be quantity 33. My favorite quantity has at all times been three, other than primary. We will now swap, so it will be quantity three.
“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.”
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Max Verstappen reacts to lacking out on the World Drivers Championship by two factors to Lando Norris
A press release on Verstappen’s official web site revealed that Daniel Ricciardo, the Dutchman’s former Crimson Bull team-mate who additionally drove with quantity three on his automobile, had permitted the swap.
Verstappen completed two factors behind Norris within the 2025 standings after a surprising late surge that nearly received him a fifth successive title.
Watch each race of the 2026 F1 season dwell on Sky Sports activities, beginning with the Australian Grand Prix from March 6-8. Stream Sky Sports activities with NOW – no contract, cancel anytime
