P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Could we see Max Verstappen run a new number that is not #1 or #33 in 2026?
Max Verstappen is considering taking the #3 driver number from Daniel Ricciardo for the next season if he doesn’t win this year’s drivers’ title. In the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Verstappen is currently 49 points behind Lando Norris and needs a significant point increase to stay in the title race. If Norris wins in Nevada, Verstappen must finish second, falling over 58 points behind would end his chance for a fifth consecutive title. If he fails to beat the McLarens, Verstappen will have to give up #1 and go back to #33 unless he gets approval to change numbers from FIA’s WMSC. Verstappen expressed interest in switching to #3, his favorite number, but Ricciardo’s frozen number can only be released with approval since he has not been out of F1 for two years yet.
