Max Verstappen Reveals How He Convinced Daniel Ricciardo To Hand Over F1 Number

Max Vertsappen has revealed the simple way in which he was able to convince Daniel Ricciardo to hand over his race number for the 2026 Formula One season.

Verstappen used to race with car 33 before switching to No.1 after winning the first of his four F1 world championships in a row.

The Red Bull star sported the No.1 for his 2022, 2023 and 2024 triumphs as well as the 2025 season, where he had a sensational end to the season and finished just two points behind champion Lando Norris.

Having won the championship for the first time, Norris is afford the privilege of having No.1 as his race number for the eagerly anticipated 2026 campaign.

That left Verstappen looking for a different number after explaining he would not revert back to 33.

He made it clear that he wished to take on the No.3, his favourite number. The issue, however, was that the number belonged to Ricciardo, his former Red Bull teammate.

Verstappen was speaking at Red Bull's new car launch. Image: Getty

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Though the Australian retired from motor racing in September 2024, FIA rules state that there is a two-year waiting period before a number becomes free again.

The way around it, though, is if the driver volunteers to give up the number and last month Verstappen said that a swap was on the cards.

F1's official website also provided confirmation that permission was given by both the FIA and Riccardo.

At the Red Bull car launch in Detroit, Michigan, Verstappen was asked the exact way in which he convinced Ricciardo and swiftly replied," A few drinks together, yeah, that always helps.”

Verstappen now gets to follow in the footsteps of his father Jos, who raced with No.3 in F1.

Fellow greats Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, both seven-time world champions, also raced with the number.

The No.3 will be his race number in 2026. Image: Getty

Verstappen has Red Bull request met

Ricciardo was a guest at the launch on behalf of Ford, who have began an engine partnership with Red Bull.

The colour scheme for the new livery is blue, a hark back to Red Bull's 2005 debut and a move which Verstappen is very much onboard with.

“Yeah, I’ve been asking for this for a while, so this is great," Verstappen said.

“I like the shine. I like the blue, it’s my favourite color. I like the outline of the Red Bull logo as well. It’s much more fresh.”