Source:REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
[Saba Sports News] As the 2025 season draws to a close, Max Verstappen faces the potential loss of his championship title and, consequently, the ability to continue using the number 1. He has now set his sights on his most desired car number: 3. However, to switch to this number, he would need consent from his former teammate Daniel Ricciardo. Since the introduction of the permanent racing number system in 2014, each driver can select a number to accompany them throughout their career. Verstappen originally chose 33, not due to a particular fondness for double digits, but because his favorite number, 3, was already taken by his then-teammate Ricciardo. He started his career with 33, only switching to the number 1, symbolizing the world champion, after winning the title. However, the situation might change. Last month, the F1 Commission discussed modifying the number system to allow drivers to change their numbers during their careers, potentially reopening previously taken numbers. Although the operational details are yet to be finalized, this has reignited Verstappen’s desire to see the number 3 on his car. The issue is that although Ricciardo left F1, his number 3 wasn’t immediately returned to the pool. According to the rules, a driver’s number only becomes available again two years after they leave the sport. This means the number 3 still belongs to Ricciardo until the end of 2025.