Verstappen, F1
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Max Verstappen missed out on the 2025 F1 drivers’ championship, but the Red Bull driver still put together an impressive campaign. Verstappen faced a challenging start to the season, with Red Bull struggling to get the best out of the RB21.
Ricciardo had the No. 3 when Verstappen joined the F1 grid with Toro Rossi in 2015, so the Dutchman went with No. 33. The two were also teammates with Red Bull from 2016-18. Verstappen won his first world title in 2021 and accepted the traditional honor of driving with the No. 1.
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Max Verstappen shuts down rumors of a return to No. 33 for 2026
Max Verstappen has ended the guessing game around his Formula 1 identity for 2026, making it clear he will not revive his long-time race number 33 and instead is committing to a fresh chapter. After four seasons carrying the champion’s No.
Max Verstappen will race with the No. 3 formerly belonging to Daniel Ricciardo in 2026, a deviation from his old career racing number of 33.