Verstappen remains mysterious over 2026 car number choice
Photo: Red Bull Content Pool
Updated: 17:01, 24 Nov 2025
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Samson Ero is a Formula 1 editor at GPblog with seven years’ experience in sports media. He covers key paddock developments, offering analysis on drivers, teams, and performance trends, with work featured on leading platforms.
Max Verstappen has opted to leave many guessing about which race number he might use in 2026 should he fail to retain the Drivers’ Championship.
“I'm considering a lot of options.”- Max Verstappen
If he misses out on the 2025 Drivers’ Championship, the Red Bull Racing driver will be required to give up the No.1 plate he has proudly run for the last three seasons.
In a recent interaction with the media, Verstappen teased a possible switch to No.3, and, more recently, even shared his thoughts on racing with No.69.
However, when asked during the Las Vegas Grand Prix post-race media session whether he had concluded his 2026 car number, the Red Bull Racing driver replied with a smile: “I'm considering a lot of options at the moment.”
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Max Verstappen driving during the Las Vegas GP - Image: Race Pictures
Pressed further on whether a decision had been made, Verstappen added: “No. I'll let you know when I make my decision.”
Since Verstappen arrived in Formula 1 in 2015, the Dutch driver has raced under car number 33. However, upon winning his maiden title in 2021, he opted to switch to the champion’s number – the No.1 – a number he has run ever since.
Verstappen recounts how his father discouraged his choice of number 69
Earlier, Verstappen revealed how his father, Jos Verstappen, discouraged the idea of him racing under the number 69. The four-time world champion explained that he felt the number would look very nice on the car and on various marketing items.
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However, his father ultimately argued against the idea, insisting it would not be a good choice.
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