Verstappen 2026 Car Number: Confirmed as #3 | Formula 1 News

Verstappen to Race with Number 3 in 2026 After Norris Ends Championship Reign

After a stunning upset in teh 2025 season, Max Verstappen will switch to the number 3 for the 2026 Formula 1 season, while Lando Norris will assume the coveted number 1 after securing his first World Championship title. The dramatic shift comes after Norris edged out Verstappen by a mere two points, ending the Red Bull driver’s four-year dominance.

A New era Begins: Number Changes and Championship Shifts

The 2025 season culminated in a nail-biting finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Norris’s third-place finish was enough to clinch the championship. Despite a late surge from Verstappen, the McLaren driver secured his maiden title, marking a significant turning point in Formula 1. this victory allows Norris to claim the number 1 designation, traditionally reserved for the reigning World Champion.

Verstappen, who debuted in Formula 1 with Toro Rosso in 2015 racing under the number 33, initially opted for number 1 after winning his first championship against Lewis Hamilton in 2021. Though, with the title now held by Norris, Verstappen is making a surprising return to a number with personal significance.

Did you know? – The reigning Formula 1 World Champion is traditionally granted the right to race with the number 1 car. It’s a symbol of their dominance and a highly sought-after honor within the sport.

A Dream realized: The Return to Number 3

Rather of reverting to his original number 33, Verstappen will instead race with the number 3, a number previously used by his former teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. The two drivers raced together at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018. According to Verstappen, the decision to switch to number 3 has been a long-held ambition.

“It won’t be number 33,” Verstappen stated in an interview with Viaplay. “My favourite number has always been 3, apart from number 1. We can now swap, so it’ll be number 3.”

He further explained his preference, adding, “Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one 3 better than two. I always said it represented double luck, but I’ve already had my luck in Formula 1.”

Permission Granted: FIA and Ricciardo Approve the Change

The move required approval from both the FIA and Ricciardo, who retired from the sport in 2024 following a challenging final season with RB. Both parties have granted permission for Verstappen to reinstate the number 3 on the 2026 grid, paving the way for the Dutch driver to embrace a number that holds deep personal meaning. This decision signals a fresh chapter for Verstappen as he looks to reclaim the championship title in the upcoming season.

Reader question – What do you think about Verstappen’s decision to return to number 3? Is it a symbolic move, or simply a personal preference? Share your thoughts!

Here’s a breakdown answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions, transforming the update into a substantive news report:

What: Max Verstappen will race with the number 3 in the 2026 Formula 1 season, while Lando Norris will race with the number 1.

Who: The key figures are Max verstappen (Red Bull Racing), Lando Norris (McLaren), Daniel Ricciardo (retired), and the FIA (governing body of Formula 1).

Why: Lando Norris won the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, ending Verstappen’s four-year reign. This victory allows norris to claim the number 1. Verstappen, no longer the champion, is returning to his preferred number 3, a number he has always favored over 33, and which was previously used by Daniel Ricciardo.

How: Norris secured the championship by finishing third in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,edging