Verstappen remains mysterious over 2026 car number choice

The Red Bull Racing driver will be required to give up the No.1 plate he has proudly run for the last three seasons if he misses out on the 2025 Drivers’ Championship.

In a recent interaction with the media, Verstappen teased a possible return to his famous No.33, a 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:

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.

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.

However, his father ultimately vetoed the idea, insisting it would not be a good choice.

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