Ricciardo smiles after noticing his old number on Verstappen’s cap

After losing the world championship crown for the first time following four consecutive titles, Verstappen has decided to switch to the former number of his ex-teammate from next season — the number 3.

In a behind-the-scenes video released by Red Bull ahead of the RB22 launch, the Australian couldn’t help but notice his old number, with Verstappen promptly removing his cap and holding it up to the camera.

“C’est magnifique,” Ricciardo quipped in French, triggering laughter from those around him — including Verstappen himself.

Number 1 will belong to Lando Norris this season, after he came out on top of a dramatic three-way title fight involving his team-mate and the Red Bull driver in the Abu Dhabi showdown, earning the right to wear the number previously held by Verstappen for the past four years.

The former Red Bull CEO and team principal shared a light-hearted story about Daniel Ricciardo from their time together in Milton Keynes.

Speaking on The Christian O’Connell Show, Horner fondly recalled the Australian’s surprising singing talent, revealing that he once persuaded Ricciardo to take the mic at a Christmas party.

More broadly, Horner spoke warmly of the Perth native, praising both his character and his ability behind the wheel, and suggesting that with the right car, Ricciardo could well have gone on to become a world champion.