P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Ricciardo and FIA could block Verstappen F1 switch
Daniel Ricciardo has become an obstacle to Max Verstappen’s desire to change his F1 driver number for the next season due to FIA rules that could prevent the reigning champion from making the switch. As Lando Norris leads the standings by 49 points entering the Las Vegas Grand Prix race weekend, Verstappen’s chances of winning a fifth world title seem slim. If Verstappen loses the title to Norris, he won’t be able to race with the number one, exclusively reserved for reigning champions. Verstappen is considering switching to his favorite number, three, for the 2026 season, but he may need to wait for Ricciardo’s absence from the sport for two seasons to adopt the number three. Although FIA rules have been updated to allow drivers to change their numbers during their careers, it remains uncertain whether Verstappen can take Ricciardo’s old number due to the Aussie’s commercial ties to the number three through his Enchante clothing range.
