Max Verstappen has opened the door to a fresh visual identity in Formula One after confirming that he is exploring the possibility of racing with a different number from the 2026 season. The three time world champion has long become synonymous with the number 33 and more recently with the number 1 that he earned through consecutive title wins. Yet as the sport approaches a new era defined by major regulation changes and fresh technical rules Verstappen seems ready for a symbolic reset.
The idea of switching to a new number is not simply about aesthetics. Verstappen has made it clear that his favourite number is 3 and this is the one he is most interested in using if circumstances allow. The number carries personal meaning for him and has long been linked to his early career racing identity. However the move is not straightforward because Formula One regulations state that a drivers number remains reserved for two full seasons after they leave the grid. Daniel Ricciardo last raced with the number 3 and his recent participation means the number is still locked under FIA rules and not yet available by default.
This creates an interesting challenge for Verstappen. For him to adopt the number 3 in 2026 the FIA would need to either confirm that the reservation period has fully expired or grant special approval. Recent discussions within the sport have hinted at a willingness to allow drivers more freedom with their race numbers including potential regulation updates that would let them change numbers mid career. Nothing has been finalised yet but the fact that Verstappen is openly considering the move suggests that there is momentum behind this idea.
Verstappen has also shown a humorous side during interviews where he admitted that he once considered the number 69 because he thought it would be memorable and marketable although he acknowledged that his family was not fully convinced. He has also mentioned liking the shapes of numbers such as 2 or 7 but it is clear that 3 remains his top choice. Despite this he insists that the number he races with will not change who he is or how he performs and he remains relaxed about the entire process.
The Dutch superstar plans to evaluate everything over the winter and only then make a final decision. With the 2026 season promising dramatic shifts in car design aerodynamics and power unit concepts it would not be surprising to see Verstappen take advantage of the moment to launch a refreshed brand identity. Fans and analysts are watching closely because a number change for such a high profile driver would be a rare and interesting moment in modern Formula One.
For now the decision rests on a combination of FIA regulations the status of Ricciardo’s old number and Verstappen’s own preference. What is certain is that Formula One’s next era is shaping up to be visually and competitively different and Verstappen’s potential number switch has become another storyline adding energy to the build up.
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