Max Verstappen Reveals his Conversation With Daniel Ricciardo to Secure the No. 3

It’s not every day you hear about multi-million dollar Formula 1 negotiations being settled over a couple of drinks, but that’s exactly the kind of relationship Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo have always had.

The 2026 Formula 1 season is shaping up to be a strange new world for fans. For the first time in four years, the Number 1 won’t be plastered on the nose of a Red Bull.

After a stunning 2025 campaign, McLaren’s Lando Norris has claimed the championship crown—and the prestigious No. 1 plate that comes with it.

That left Verstappen in a bit of a predicament. He needed a new identity on the grid, or rather, he needed to reclaim an old one. But the number he wanted—the iconic No. 3—officially belonged to his old friend and former teammate, Daniel Ricciardo.

1. How Verstappen “Convincingly” Won the Number

Usually, the FIA has pretty strict rules about driver numbers. When a driver retires, like Ricciardo did in 2024, their racing number is typically frozen for two years to prevent confusion. Technically, No. 3 shouldn’t have been available just yet. However, rules in F1 can sometimes bend when all parties are in agreement. During the Red Bull car launch in Detroit this past January, Verstappen was asked how he managed to wrestle the number away from the Aussie favorite. Was it a high-stakes poker game? A heavy financial transaction? Hardly. “A few drinks together, yeah, that always helps,” Verstappen joked to the press. It was a classic, cheeky response that perfectly encapsulates the friendship between the two. Despite their fierce battles on track years ago, they’ve maintained one of the most genuine “bromances” in the paddock. Ricciardo, who was present at the launch representing Ford in their new partnership with Red Bull, clearly didn’t mind handing over the baton. It was less of a negotiation and more of a passing of the torch between mates.

2. The Deep History Behind No. 3

For casual fans, a number might just look like a sticker on a car, but for the drivers, it’s deeply personal. Verstappen didn’t just pick 3 out of a hat because it was the only single digit left. Long-time followers of Verstappen will remember that he raced under the No. 33 before his championship streak. But the number 3 actually goes back much further than that. It was the number his father, Jos Verstappen, raced with during his own F1 career. Max has often spoken about the significance of that connection. By taking No. 3, Verstappen is also stepping into a lineage of absolute titans. The number has been worn by legends like Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton at different points in their careers. It’s a heavy number to carry, but if anyone has the shoulders for it, it’s Max. The backdrop for this announcement couldn’t have been more symbolic. Red Bull Racing chose Detroit, Michigan—the Motor City—to pull the covers off their 2026 challenger. This wasn’t just a standard car launch; it was a statement of intent. The team unveiled a stunning new blue livery, a nostalgic nod to their debut season way back in 2005. It feels like a hard reset for the team. They have a new engine partner in Ford, a new look, and a “new” driver number. After finishing runner-up in 2025, the vibe around the team isn’t one of defeat; it’s one of hunger. Seeing Ricciardo there in Ford colors, laughing alongside Verstappen, added a layer of warmth to the event. It reminded everyone that while the cars and engines are serious engineering marvels, the human element—the personalities—is what really makes the sport tick.

3. Verstappen vs. Norris: The Battle Ahead

So, what does this mean for the 2026 season? Psychologically, it’s going to be fascinating to watch. For four years, Verstappen has been the hunted. He was the man with the target on his back and the No. 1 on his car. Now, the roles are reversed. Lando Norris is the one who has to defend the throne. Verstappen is now the challenger. Racing under No. 3 gives him a fresh persona for this chase. He’s no longer defending a title; he’s fighting to take it back. The dynamic between Norris and Verstappen has always been friendly, much like Max and Daniel, but the pressure of a title defense changes people. As we look toward the season opener, the narrative is set perfectly. You have the new King, Lando Norris, trying to establish his reign. And you have the former King, Max Verstappen, returning to his roots with his father’s number, ready to spoil the party. If the negotiations for the number were settled over a few friendly drinks, you can bet the battle for the championship will be settled with a lot less courtesy on the asphalt.

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