Daniel Ricciardo Passes the Torch: Allows Max Verstappen to Claim His F1 Race Number

In a heartwarming gesture, the retiring driver gives his blessing for the reigning champion to take over his iconic #3 car number.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:58am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the handshake between two Formula 1 drivers, with the number 3 prominently featured in their team's colors, representing the passing of an iconic race number between them.In a symbolic passing of the torch, Daniel Ricciardo's generous gesture allows his former rival Max Verstappen to claim the iconic #3 car number, cementing their shared history and respect.Austin Today

In a surprising turn of events, Daniel Ricciardo has announced that he is allowing his former teammate Max Verstappen to take over his iconic #3 race number in Formula 1. The move comes as Verstappen, the reigning world champion, was seeking to trade his #33 for Ricciardo's #3 ahead of the 2026 season. Ricciardo, who is retiring from racing, fondly recalls the conversation with Verstappen and is honored to pass the number on to his former rival.

Why it matters

This gesture from Ricciardo highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two drivers, who were fierce competitors on the track but have developed a close friendship off of it. The swap of race numbers also marks a historic moment in F1, as it is the first time a driver has exercised the new freedom to change their permanent number since the rule was introduced in 2014.

The details

Verstappen initially approached Ricciardo at the 2025 United States Grand Prix, seeking permission to adopt the #3 that Ricciardo had raced with for much of his career. With the 2026 season approaching, Verstappen, as the reigning world champion, would have to relinquish the iconic #1 and return to his original #33. However, a recent amendment to the sporting regulations opened the door for drivers to switch numbers at their discretion. Ricciardo, who retired from racing at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, was thrilled to give his consent, knowing Verstappen would have to wait another year to claim the #3 otherwise.

  • Ricciardo retired from racing at the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix.
  • Verstappen initially approached Ricciardo about the #3 number at the 2025 United States Grand Prix.
  • The new rule allowing drivers to change their permanent numbers was introduced ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Daniel Ricciardo

A former Formula 1 driver who raced with the #3 car number for much of his career.

Max Verstappen

The reigning Formula 1 world champion, who was seeking to trade his #33 for Ricciardo's iconic #3.

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What they’re saying

“Meeting up with Max recently, we discussed the number three, and it's a fantastic tale for both of us. It's also a nod to the F1 fans who cheered us on as teammates. When we met in Austin [in 2025], Max expressed his desire to claim the number three. I was thrilled to give my consent, knowing he'd have to wait another year otherwise. It's an honor to pass the number to him.”

— Daniel Ricciardo, Former F1 Driver

What’s next

The swap of race numbers between Ricciardo and Verstappen will be officially confirmed and implemented ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.

The takeaway

This heartwarming gesture from Daniel Ricciardo to allow his former rival Max Verstappen to take over his iconic #3 car number not only highlights the camaraderie between the two drivers but also marks a historic moment in Formula 1 as the first time a driver has exercised the new freedom to change their permanent number since the rule was introduced in 2014.