The Number ⁣Change: From 33 to 3

Max Verstappen will begin the 2026 ⁤Formula ‌1 ‌season with a new racing number,⁢ marking the first time⁤ he’s altered his designation since establishing himself⁣ as a ​dominant force in the sport. The Dutchman⁤ has confirmed he​ will retire the number​ 33, which he used prior to and during ⁢his four World Championship-winning seasons,‍ in ⁣favor of the number 3.Formula 1 News reported⁢ this change‍ on December 17, 2025.

This decision stems ⁢directly from Verstappen’s defeat in⁤ the 2025 World Championship.Lando Norris secured the⁣ championship title earlier in December, ending Verstappen’s⁤ reign. As a result, Verstappen is no longer eligible to use the number 1, which is reserved exclusively​ for the reigning World Champion.

Norris to Sport Number 1

While the⁣ reigning champion is not obligated to⁣ use the number​ 1, Lando Norris has confirmed his intention to ⁢do so in the 2026 season. Autosport detailed Norris’s decision on December 16, 2025. This follows a‌ tradition established by previous champions, signifying ⁣their status as the current titleholder.

The⁤ History of Number 33

Verstappen ​adopted the number 33 when he entered Formula 1 in 2015 and maintained ​it throughout his career until now. The ⁤number held personal importance for the driver, becoming synonymous with his rise to‌ prominence. ⁤ The ‌choice of ⁤33 was reportedly linked to a childhood preference, though Verstappen has rarely discussed ‌the specific origins ​publicly. ⁣ Motorsport.com provides background on Verstappen’s ​long-standing use of the⁣ number.

Formula 1 Racing Number Regulations

Formula 1‌ regulations regarding racing numbers have evolved over time. Prior to 2019,drivers could choose any number between 2 and⁣ 99. However, a new system was ‌introduced allowing drivers to select⁢ a‍ unique number that they could retain ‌throughout their Formula 1 career, even if they changed teams. F1 Technical explains the current regulations in detail.

The‌ number‍ 1 is always reserved for the reigning World Champion. if a champion retires ‌or does not compete in a season,the number 1 remains unused. ‍ Drivers who have won ​championships are permitted to continue using their chosen number, even if they are ⁣no longer the⁣ reigning ‍champion.