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Max Verstappen will be associated with a new driver number when the 2026 F1 season gets underway.
Max Verstappen has confirmed he will enter the 2026 F1 season with a new driver number, as the reigning champion can’t use the number ‘1’ next year.
Verstappen has chosen the number ‘3’, departing from his long association with ’33’ during his F1 career.
A recent FIA rule change allows drivers to change their numbers, leading to Verstappen getting permission to use Daniel Ricciardo’s former number.
Though Verstappen fell short in the 2025 season, he is prepared to embrace the new challenge with a new teammate, Isack Hadjar.
