Max Verstappen Receives Blessing to Use Daniel Ricciardo's Iconic F1 Number

Former teammates share heartwarming exchange over coveted race number

Apr. 12, 2026 at 4:57pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting two Formula 1 cars racing side-by-side, with the number 3 prominently featured on the side of one car, representing the meaningful gesture of a driver adopting his former teammate's iconic race number.A symbolic tribute to the shared history and camaraderie between two former F1 teammates, as the reigning champion embraces his predecessor's iconic race number.Austin Today

In a touching display of camaraderie, former F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has given his blessing to current world champion Max Verstappen to use Ricciardo's iconic race number #3 starting in the 2026 season. Verstappen approached Ricciardo at the 2025 United States Grand Prix, seeking approval to switch from his usual #33 to Ricciardo's former number, which would normally be reserved for two seasons after Ricciardo's retirement in 2024. Ricciardo happily agreed, seeing it as a meaningful tribute to their shared history as teammates.

Why it matters

Race numbers hold deep significance in Formula 1, becoming a core part of a driver's identity. Verstappen's decision to adopt Ricciardo's #3 is a rare instance of sportsmanship and respect in the highly competitive world of F1, where drivers typically guard their numbers fiercely. This gesture highlights the close relationship between the two drivers and serves as an inspiring example of camaraderie in a sport known for its intense rivalries.

The details

According to F1 regulations, a driver's race number remains reserved for two seasons after their final race. Ricciardo's last race was the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, meaning the #3 would only be available again in 2027. However, Ricciardo, having retired, generously allowed Verstappen to use the number starting in 2026, the very next season. Verstappen, the reigning world champion, could no longer use the iconic #1 and planned to revert to his original #33, but the opportunity to switch to Ricciardo's former number presented itself.

  • Ricciardo and Verstappen discussed the number change at the 2025 United States Grand Prix.
  • Ricciardo's last race was the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.
  • The #3 number will be available for Verstappen to use starting in the 2026 F1 season.

The players

Daniel Ricciardo

A former F1 driver who raced from 2011 to 2024, and was teammates with Max Verstappen at Red Bull Racing from 2016 to 2018.

Max Verstappen

The current reigning F1 world champion, who will be switching to Ricciardo's former #3 race number starting in the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“Meeting Max recently, we discussed the number three, and it's a fantastic tale for us. It's also a nod to the F1 fans who cheered us on as teammates.”

— Daniel Ricciardo, Former F1 Driver

“When we met in Austin [in 2025], Max expressed his desire for the number three. I was thrilled to agree because it meant he didn't have to wait another year. It's an honor to pass on that number.”

— Daniel Ricciardo, Former F1 Driver

What’s next

Verstappen will officially begin using the #3 race number starting in the 2026 F1 season.

The takeaway

Verstappen's decision to adopt Ricciardo's iconic #3 race number is a heartwarming display of camaraderie and respect in the highly competitive world of Formula 1, where drivers typically guard their numbers fiercely. This gesture highlights the close relationship between the two former teammates and serves as an inspiring example of sportsmanship in a sport known for its intense rivalries.