Max Verstappen has expressed his wish to change his race number to three starting from the 2026 season if he loses his F1 title and the right to use number one on his Red Bull car. Initially, the 28-year-old used number 33 when he first joined the sport, a number closely associated with him in racing circles. However, he selected this number because his future teammate Daniel Ricciardo had already claimed number three for himself.
After winning his first world championship in 2021, Verstappen chose number one, designated for defending champions, and has retained it since. With the 2025 championship looking likely to go to either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, the Red Bull driver is now contemplating a change.
During the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen confirmed his intention to switch to number three from 2026 onwards, pending approval from the FIA and Ricciardo. Ricciardo, who retired from motorsport earlier in the year after leaving Racing Bulls in 2024, is unlikely to oppose the change as he maintains a strong friendship with Verstappen.
Verstappen humorously mentioned his interest in number 69 but acknowledged his father’s disapproval. He highlighted the visual appeal of number 3 and also expressed a liking for numbers 27, 2, and 7. Despite the desire for number 69, he acknowledged the marketing potential of number 3 due to its consistent appearance on cars.
Sky has enhanced its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+, and Hayu, along with 135 channels and comprehensive Formula 1 coverage. Sky broadcasts all practice sessions, qualifiers, and races throughout the season, in addition to exclusive coverage of the Premier League, EFL, darts, and golf.
Ricciardo, in an open letter to fans, announced his partnership with Ford as a Global Ford Racing Ambassador after retiring. He emphasized his love for motorsports and the joy it brought him, leading to his decision to stay connected to the racing world in an authentic way.
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