No longer 33. Max Verstappen to race under a new number in the 2026 season

Max Verstappen has relinquished his status as the reigning Formula 1 world champion and will not compete under the number 1 next season. However, he will not be returning to his iconic number 33 either.

Details: The Dutch driver himself confirmed that he will race under number 3 next season, as it is his favorite number.

Quote: “It won’t be number 33. My favorite number has always been 3, apart from number 1. Now we can switch. It will be number 3,” Verstappen told Viaplay.

Max Verstappen raced under number 33 from the 2015 season through the 2021 season. However, with regulations now allowing drivers to change numbers, the Dutchman has decided to make the switch.

Meanwhile, Formula 1’s official X social media account announced the official return of the Portuguese Grand Prix. The race will be hosted at the Algarve International Circuit, also known as Portimão.

Reminder: It recently became known who will be Max Verstappen’s teammate next season.