Verstappen Considers Race Number Change for Next F1 Season

Milton Keynes, England — Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen plans to change his race number for the upcoming season. If he does not win the championship this year, he intends to switch from No. 33 to No. 3.

Since 2014, F1 drivers have been allowed to choose a personal race number to use throughout their careers. Verstappen selected No. 33 when he made his debut in 2015.

The No. 1 is traditionally reserved for the reigning champion in F1, a title Verstappen claimed in 2021 and has held since 2022. Currently, he is 49 points behind the championship leader with only three races left in the season and acknowledges that he requires “a lot of luck” to retain the No. 1 for next year.

If he does not secure the championship, the normal rule would have Verstappen returning to No. 33. However, the F1 Commission recently agreed to a new rule allowing drivers to change their career number if they choose. This rule needs approval from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council to take effect.

“I will look at it over the winter, but my favourite number is 3,” Verstappen said, as quoted by Autosport. “We just need to see whether that is actually possible.”

Verstappen also humorously noted other number preferences, such as No. 69. “I actually wanted No. 69, but my dad said ‘that’s not a good idea,’” he added. “That number always looks the same, no matter how you look at the car!”

While he expressed fondness for No. 27, which is already taken, Verstappen confirmed No. 3 is at the top of his list. “I think #2 and #7 look really nice together in terms of shape,” he said. “So No. 3 is my favourite number, but there are several numbers I find cool.”