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Verstappen to Take Ricciardo's Racing Number

This month Max Verstappen will take Daniel Ricciardo's old number three next season, after Lando Norris adopted the champion's number one; Verstappen said, `We can now swap, so it'll be number three.`
The FIA's rules state a number must be inactive for two seasons before reassignment, but Daniel Ricciardo last raced in Singapore last year and gave permission to reuse number three early.
Previously, Verstappen raced with number 33 until his 2021 title, and speaking to Viaplay he said, `We can now swap, so it'll be number three` and `Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one three better than two,` he added.
After a season-deciding finale in Abu Dhabi, Lando Norris secured his maiden world title by two points following a tight battle with Max Verstappen, linking the number switch to their 2016-2018 Red Bull Racing history with Daniel Ricciardo.
Amid 2026 rule changes, Liberty Media-owned Formula One said Wednesday, `In this new generation the drivers have more power in their hands than ever before`, highlighting energy deployment and regeneration.

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Max Verstappen Will Use Number 3 in World Formula 1 in 2026

The world tetra Campion of Formula 1 will use its favorite number: the 3rd Daniel Ricciaardo, a pilot who holds the right to use the now backyard of Verstappen, gave green light to the Dutch.

9 hours ago·Portugal

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ESPN

+3 Reposted by 3 other sources

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Sources: Ricciardo gave Verstappen No. 3 approval

Max Verstappen will race with the No. 3 formerly belonging to Daniel Ricciardo in 2026, a deviation from his old career racing number of 33.

11 hours ago·United States

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The Hindu

+3 Reposted by 3 other sources

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Why is Max Verstappen swapping his racing number to three ahead of the F1 2026 season?

Max Verstappen will take Daniel Ricciardo’s old racing number three next season, now that Lando Norris has put number one on his McLaren as Formula One world champion.

13 hours ago·India

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The Independent

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Max Verstappen confirms new F1 car number after losing world title to Lando Norris

Max Verstappen has chosen a new Formula One car number after handing over his previous number to new world champion Lando Norris

13 hours ago·London, United Kingdom

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Daily Express

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Max Verstappen confirms new F1 number for 2026 after Norris forced change

Max Verstappen is embracing change heading into the first year of the new regulations.

18 hours ago·United Kingdom

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la Nacion

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Max Verstappen Has Already Chosen the Number with Which He Will Remain in the F1 After Handing over the 1st to Lando Norris.

The Dutch motorsport driver will have a resounding change in the coming season; the reasons behind the new dorsal for the Red Bull multi-champion and why it will not be the 33rd

1 day ago·Buenos Aires, Argentina

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