Verstappen set to race with number 3, not 33 in 2026

(GMM) Max Verstappen has all but confirmed he will switch to car number 3 from 2026, rather than reverting to his long-time number 33 (pictured in 2021).

With Lando Norris taking the number 1, and new rules allowing Verstappen and other drivers to change their racing numbers, the four-time world champion told Viaplay that the decision is already clear.

“It won’t be 33. My favorite number has always been 3, except for 1. Now we can change it. It will be 3,” Verstappen said.

“The number 33 has always been good, but I think a single 3 is nicer than two 3s,” he added. “Of course, I always said it meant double the happiness, but I already had that luck in Formula 1.”

The Dutchman also laughed off recurring jokes about an even more eye-catching alternative – 69.

“Every time I say it in an interview, Kelly looks at me like ‘what are you saying?'” Verstappen smiled.