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Max Verstappen Announces Career Decision Ahead of Vegas GP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Arman Khan | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 6:33 AM ET

As Formula 1 heads into the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, Max Verstappen has revealed he is weighing a key career decision: changing his race number to one of his retired teammate's numbers.

Since 2014, drivers in F1 have been assigned or chosen permanent numbers, except the outgoing champion, who may use “1.” Consequently, Verstappen has run the coveted No. 1 as reigning World Champion since 2021.

But with the FIA now discussing a rule change that would allow drivers to switch their permanent numbers during their careers, the Dutchman is already eyeing his next move.

Max Verstappen drives during the third practice session for the 2023 Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

During his Dutch media session in Las Vegas, Verstappen was asked which race number he intends to run next year. “That’s a very good question! I will look at it over the winter, but my favorite number is #3. We just need to see whether that is actually possible,” he responded with a laugh, according to Autosport.

Significance of No. 3 for Max Verstappen

The 28-year-old driver originally wanted to race with the Number 3 when he entered F1, but that number belonged to Daniel Ricciardo at the time. Instead, he chose Number 33, which he used from 2015 to 2021 before switching to No. 1 after winning his first title.

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen at the 2016 Formula 1 Grand Prix of Germany. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

The Red Bull driver would now consider running his ex-Red Bull teammate Ricciardo’s old number if the rules allow it, especially now that the Australian has retired from Formula 1. With Ricciardo no longer on the grid, Number 3 could become available, pending FIA and F1 approval.

As Verstappen battles McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri for the 2025 title, his branding and identity decisions off the track are drawing just as much attention. For a driver who has already rewritten the record books, this potential change may appear symbolic, but it could also signal a deeper mindset shift.

FIA's Ruling on Drivers Changing Numbers from 2026 F1 Season

On November 14, the FIA’s London offices hosted the last Formula 1 Commission meeting of 2025, led by Single-Seater Director Nikolas Tombazis alongside FOM President and CEO Stefano Domenicali.

The FIA logo is displayed during the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Gabriele Lanzo/Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Among other changes, the Commission also revisited the regulations surrounding permanent driver numbers, introduced back in 2014. Members supported advancing a proposal that would let drivers switch their race numbers mid-career.

While nothing is confirmed yet, any number change would still need approval from the FIA. Meanwhile, the paddock turns its attention to the Vegas Strip, and the fact that Max Verstappen is publicly weighing his options adds an intriguing subplot to the Vegas weekend and beyond.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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