Max Verstappen makes unexpected move ahead of 2026 F1 season

Max Verstappen has recently confirmed a new change in his car number for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

During an interview with Viaplay, the four-time world champion confirmed that he will race with the number three on his car during the next year’s F1 season.

Since becoming the world champion, Verstappen was entitled to drive with the number one on his car for the last four years. Now, Lando Norris will inherit this honor from Verstappen in 2026 after claiming his maiden drivers’ title.

“It won't be number 33. My favourite number has always been three, apart from number one. We can now swap, so it'll be number three,” Red Bull star said in an interview.

The 28-year-old continued, “Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one 3 better than two. I always said it represented double luck, but I've already had my luck in Formula 1.”

Prior to becoming world champion, Verstappen used the number 33 car for racing at Toro Rosso and Red Bull from 2015-2021.

The recent changes in Formula 1 rules have allowed the car drivers to switch their numbers instead of sticking with the same.

The announcement has sparked a buzz among the fans. One user wrote: “Interesting design tbh, if you split the elements it actually reads very F1.”

Another commented, “33 is back where it belongs! Max is hunting that number 1 spot again in 2026.”

The third one wrote, “Max always wanted number 3, it was taken by Daniel Ricciardo, so he chose number 33 before his debut.”