The highly anticipated numerical identity of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull car for the 2026 Formula 1 season has been confirmed. Following the conclusion of his championship reign, the Dutch driver will trade the coveted No. 1 plate for the number 3. This decision is not merely administrative; it represents a tangible shift in the F1 hierarchy and the start of Verstappen’s new pursuit of dominance.
The End of the Era of `1`
For the past four consecutive years, Verstappen’s car proudly displayed the number one, a privilege reserved exclusively for the reigning World Drivers’ Champion. This emblem of supremacy must be surrendered when a new champion is crowned. In this instance, the victor of the 2025 season, Lando Norris, has exercised his right to utilize the No. 1 for the 2026 campaign, mirroring Verstappen’s previous decision to forgo his original permanent number (33) for the champion`s insignia.
The number one is the heaviest digit in the sport, carrying the weight of expectation and past success. Its transfer signifies the passing of a torch, willingly or otherwise, to a new generation`s champion.
From ‘33’ to ‘3’: Analyzing Verstappen’s Numerical Choice
Prior to his four-year tenure with the number one, Verstappen was synonymous with the number 33, which he utilized from his debut with Toro Rosso in 2015 through to the 2021 season. The decision to switch to the single digit ‘3’ instead of reverting to his long-established ‘33’ is a noteworthy technical and psychological play.
The rules governing driver numbers in F1 state that each driver selects a permanent number for their career (1-99). The sole exception is the No. 1, which may only be adopted by the reigning champion. Historically, once a driver gave up the ‘1’, they were obliged to return to their original permanent number. However, a recent amendment to the regulations allows for greater flexibility. Verstappen’s adoption of the ‘3’ capitalizes on this rule modification.
The Technical Significance of Number 3
While the choice of ‘3’ might appear simple, it holds multiple layers of significance for a driver of Verstappen’s caliber:
- Acknowledgment of Achievements: While he aims for future titles, the `3` neatly references his four world championships, placing him among the elite multiple champions. (Note: A three-time champion adopting `3` is either coincidental or a subtle form of performance acknowledgment).
- A Fresh Start: Moving from `33` to `3` suggests a streamlined identity for a new regulatory cycle (2026 introduces major aerodynamic and power unit changes). It sheds the identity tied to his formative years and embraces a more mature, concise designation.
- Targeting the Competition: Stripping the extraneous `3` implies focus. He is no longer defined by his past number; he is defined by the podium position he consistently targets.
For those interested in historical precedent, the number 3 was notably used by Daniel Ricciardo for many years. With Ricciardo’s potential departure from the F1 grid by 2026, the number has become available, allowing Verstappen to secure it.
A Numerical Battle for 2026
The 2026 season will therefore present a compelling visual narrative on the grid. Lando Norris, holding the highly symbolic No. 1 plate, will defend his title against the former champion, Max Verstappen, now branded with the concise, assertive No. 3. This numerical reversal adds a layer of dramatic irony to what is anticipated to be a fierce championship rivalry.
The loss of the No. 1 symbolizes the temporary vulnerability of the former king. However, Verstappen’s choice of the No. 3 is a clear technical signal to the paddock: he may have lost the crown, but he has not lost his intent to reclaim it.
Wesley Dunham