### Max Verstappen's Number Change: A New Era in Formula 1 Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, is set to enter the 2026 season with a new racing number, marking a significant transition in his career. Following Lando Norris's championship win in 2025, which grants him the right to use the number 1, Verstappen will switch from his iconic number 1 to number 3. This change is not merely a formality; it symbolizes a fresh start as F1 undergoes major regulatory changes. Verstappen has expressed that this decision is personal, as he has always favored the number 3 over his previous number 33, which he used from 2015 to 2021 [https://www.yardbarker.com/formula_one/articles/max_verstappen_announces_new_f1_number_for_next_season/s1_17615_43220331]. ### Structure of the Summary 1. **Background of the Number Change** - Verstappen has used the number 1 since 2022 after winning his first title. - Lando Norris's victory in 2025 necessitates the change, as the number 1 is reserved for the reigning champion [https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1071047/max-verstappen-new-f1-driver-number-2026]. 2. **Reasons for Choosing Number 3** - Verstappen has opted for number 3, which he considers his favorite, rather than reverting to number 33 [https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a69808543/f1-verstappen-ditches-33-for-3]. - The decision reflects a personal connection rather than a response to rivalry or disappointment [https://www.yardbarker.com/formula_one/articles/max_verstappen_reveals_new_car_number_ahead_of_2026_f1_season/s1_17407_43222050]. 3. **Implications of the Change** - This transition is seen as a new chapter in Verstappen's career, coinciding with a significant regulatory reset in Formula 1 [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3734901-max-verstappen-reclaims-number-3-for-next-season]. - The change in number is part of a broader trend in F1, where drivers are now allowed to change their permanent racing numbers during their careers [https://www.autoracing1.com/pl/468393/formula-1-news-verstappen-set-to-race-with-number-3-not-33-in-2026]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Points:** - Verstappen's previous number: 1 (2022-2025). - New number for 2026: 3. - Lando Norris will use number 1 after winning the championship by a narrow margin [https://www.dailygp.com/en/verstappen-will-run-ricciardos-3-on-his-car-in-2026]. - Verstappen's historical numbers: 33 (2015-2021), 1 (2022-2025), and now 3 (2026 onwards) [https://www.grandprixnews.com/news/verstappen-switches-to-number-3-for-2024-season]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Verstappen In summary, **Max Verstappen's decision to switch to number 3 for the 2026 Formula 1 season represents a significant shift in his racing identity**. This change is driven by the necessity of relinquishing the number 1 to Lando Norris and reflects Verstappen's personal preference for the number 3. As Formula 1 prepares for a major regulatory overhaul, this transition marks the beginning of a new era for Verstappen and potentially for the sport itself. 1. **Background**: Verstappen must change his number due to Norris's championship win. 2. **Choice of Number**: He opts for number 3, his favorite, instead of returning to 33. 3. **Implications**: This change signifies a new chapter in his career amidst regulatory changes in F1. For further details, please refer to the sources: [https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-autosport/2147766/Max-Verstappen-new-car-number], [https://www.yardbarker.com/formula_one/articles/max_verstappen_announces_new_f1_number_for_next_season/s1_17615_43220331], [https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/1071047/max-verstappen-new-f1-driver-number-2026].