Verstappen receives important news in the pursuit of his preferred race number

Up until the recently concluded season, a Formula 1 driver chose a start number for his first Grand Prix, and he kept that number for his entire career in the sport. The choice was somewhat limited, of course, because only a number that did not already belong to a colleague on the F1 grid could be chosen.

A departed driver’s number would not be freed up immediately, either. Only after two full seasons out of the sport would that number become available again, allowing rookies to select it.

From next season, Formula 1 drivers will be allowed to change their race numbers during their careers. Verstappen has already confirmed he does not wish to return to his original number 33, now that the world champion’s number 1 has passed to Lando Norris.

In recent weeks, Verstappen has remained tight-lipped about which number he plans to adopt. However, there is a strong possibility he will choose 3, the number previously used by Daniel Ricciardo.

The FIA confirmed to GPblog this Thursday that the new race number rules have now been finalised. Even under the 2026 regulations, a two-year waiting period still applies before a number becomes available. Since Daniel Ricciardo only left Formula 1 in September 2024, Verstappen would not normally be able to claim 3 for the 2026 season.

There is, however, a potential workaround. The FIA also confirmed that if a former driver formally waives their right to a number, the waiting period is waived, allowing another driver to adopt it immediately.

If Verstappen wishes to race with the number 3 in 2026, he and his Red Bull Racing team will need to seek permission from Ricciardo. Should the Australian agree, Verstappen could return to his former number next season.

It is important to stress, however, that nothing is certain yet, Verstappen may still have another number in mind.

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