F1 LIVE: Verstappen’s race number confirmed, Ferrari leadership questioned

It has developed into a topic of discussion in recent weeks – Max Verstappen’s potential race number for 2026.

The Red Bull Racing driver had stayed tight-lipped about which number he would choose. However, he always had the option to switch to his favourite number 3, as GPblog exclusively reported last week. That number was previously used by Daniel Ricciardo.

Verstappen is forced into a change of number after he missed out on the drivers’ title to McLaren driver Lando Norris. The Dutch driver had also earlier hinted at his affection for the number 3, despite running number 33 through the earlier stages of his F1 career.

Former F1 driver Riccardo Patrese has not held back his thoughts on the Scuderia Ferrari outfit after the team recorded an underwhelming 2025 season.

The 71-year-old pointed the finger at the leadership structure of the Prancing Horse, suggesting a possible change may be needed to achieve better results.

Specifically, Patrese called for the presence of what he described as strong technical leaders. The former Williams driver also highlighted how Vasseur has been given enough time to get results with the team, but appears unable to deliver the desired results.

With the post-2025 season finale action and reaction continuing, our paddock update is the place to be.

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