Max Verstappen could be blocked from choosing his dream number by the FIA next season, after losing the 'number one' for the first time since 2021.
The Dutchman ended a run of four consecutive F1 driver titles in Abu Dhabi, after Lando Norris' third place confirmed Verstappen would end the 2025 season two points behind the McLaren star.
Verstappen finished the season with the most grand prix wins, pole positions, and laps led, despite his Red Bull being significantly slower than the McLaren for large portions of the year.
Norris has become the 11th British world champion following his victory, but is expected to gain no added benefit in his battle with Oscar Piastri who claimed 'fair treatment' will continue next year.
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2026 will bring huge changes to the F1 grid, with an extra team joining the field, a brand new rookie, the return of Valterri Bottas and Sergio Perez, and at least one driver number change.
The 'number 1' is reserved for the reigning world champion, though drivers are not obliged to use it with Lewis Hamilton previously keeping his race number as 44 despite being the reigning champion.
It is still unknown if Norris will take the number one for his McLaren next year, but one thing for sure is that Verstappen will be racing under a new number, the only question is which one.
Verstappen could have dream number blocked by the FIA
With every driver free to change their number for 2026 under new FIA rules, Verstappen was quizzed on what he will pick at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, but he could still be blocked from his ideal number.
"That's a good question," Verstappen said.
"You have to get approval for it because, at the end of the day, the number is not free yet because of Daniel Ricciardo. He has not been out of Formula One for two years yet."
"I will look at it over the winter, but my favourite number is #3. We just need to see whether that is actually possible," he added.
Verstappen will need approval from both Ricciardo and the FIA if he is to race under the three, but the four-time-champion has a rather unusual backup plan if required.
"I actually wanted number 69, but my dad said 'that's not a good idea'. But that number always looks the same, no matter how you look at the car! 69 would be very good for the photos and marketing, and for the caps as well," he joked.
"It doesn't matter how you wear them, it always stays 69. In that respect, it would be a good marketing tool. I also like 27, but Nico already has that. I think 2 and 7 look really nice together in terms of shape. So 3 is my favourite number, but there are several numbers I find cool," he explained.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, FIA, Formula 1, Motorsport
Tom Jenkins