Lando Norris Forces Max Verstappen into Major Decision as Red Bull Star Talks to FIA
Max Verstappen has been compelled to engage with Formula One's governing body, the FIA, following a significant decision by reigning world champion Lando Norris. This development centres on the allocation of car numbers for the upcoming season, a matter that has required formal approval due to regulatory stipulations.
Norris Claims Number One, Verstappen Shifts to Three
Lando Norris, having secured the Formula One drivers' championship last year, has opted to display the prestigious number one on his McLaren for this season. This choice, while not mandatory under current regulations, represents a traditional honour for the title holder. Norris revealed his intention to swap from his previous number four to number one back in December 2025.
Consequently, Max Verstappen, who has raced with the number one for the previous four years as world champion, now transitions to the number three. Verstappen previously competed with the number 33 during his tenure at Toro Rosso and Red Bull from 2015 until he adopted number one after his first championship victory.
Regulatory Hurdles and FIA Permission
The shift to number three presented a regulatory challenge for Verstappen. Formula One regulations stipulate that a car number must remain unused for two consecutive seasons before it becomes available for selection. Daniel Ricciardo, Verstappen's former Red Bull teammate, had last utilised the number three, and it has been fewer than two full seasons since his final race with it.
Therefore, Verstappen was required to request special permission from the FIA. He confirmed the alteration in an interview with Viaplay, stating, "It won't be number 33. My favourite number has always been three, apart from number one. We can now swap, so it'll be number three. The rules state that a number isn't available until it hasn't been used for two consecutive seasons." He added, "Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one three better than two. I always said it represented double luck, but I've already had my luck in Formula One." The FIA ultimately granted approval for this campaign, making Verstappen only the second driver to race under the number three since personalised numbers were introduced in 2014.
Historical Context and Other Driver Changes
In earlier eras of Formula One, drivers typically retained their numbers unless they were crowned champion. However, since 2014, the regulations have been relaxed, permitting drivers greater flexibility to change their numbers. This modern system replaced the previous method where numbers were often determined by the Constructors' standings or assigned by race organisers.
While there are no other significant number changes among drivers returning from last season, several competitors have selected new numbers. Valtteri Bottas will adopt the number 77, with which he has long been associated. Sergio Perez is reuniting with number 11, which he cites as a tribute to his favourite footballer, former Real Madrid and Inter Milan star Ivan Zamorano.
British rookie Arvid Lindblad, this year's only newcomer, will race under the number 41. Lindblad explains he chose 41 because it is the closest visual equivalent to his initials, AL. He also becomes the first driver in Formula One history to use this number, making it uniquely his own.
Season Kick-off Amid Global Tensions
The forthcoming Formula One season is scheduled to commence on March 6 with the Melbourne Grand Prix in Australia. Event coordinators have assured that recent travel disruptions, due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, will not affect the year's opening race. The focus remains firmly on the track, where number changes add a fresh narrative to the championship battle.
