P1racenews AI automatic summary:
‘A couple drinks’ – How Max Verstappen convinced Daniel Ricciardo to swap F1 numbers
Four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen had to convince Daniel Ricciardo to allow him to use the iconic race number three in 2026. Verstappen had to change numbers since the number one is reserved for the world champion, which Lando Norris chose to use. Verstappen opted for the number three, a choice from his early days in F1 that he couldn’t use due to Ricciardo. Despite Ricciardo’s retirement, Verstappen had to persuade him to give up the number three for the upcoming season. Verstappen’s favorite number has always been three, and he finds it aesthetically pleasing compared to 33. He aims to reclaim the number one after 2026, focusing on regaining his championship title from Norris. The success of Red Bull under new F1 regulation changes will play a crucial role in Verstappen’s pursuit of another championship.
