P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen set to change F1 driver number
Max Verstappen, the reigning F1 champion, plans to change his driver number before the 2026 season starts. Despite achieving four consecutive title wins, his chances for a fifth championship appear slim after a challenging 2025 season. Red Bull’s struggles have allowed McLaren to dominate, making it likely that their drivers will battle for the titles. Verstappen’s current position in third shows a significant point gap to the leader, making his championship reign seem to be coming to an end, along with his No. 1 driver number. In F1, drivers now have the freedom to choose their numbers, with championship winners having the option to switch to No. 1; however, it’s not obligatory, as demonstrated by Lewis Hamilton’s loyalty to No. 44. Verstappen faces the possibility of losing his cherished No. 1 if he gets outperformed, returning to his previous No. 33, showcasing the personal significance that driver numbers hold in the sport.
