Max Verstappen will switch to No.3 next season after relinquishing No.1 to newly crowned champion Lando Norris. Betting implication: little change to form-based markets — Verstappen remains a leading favorite for wins and podiums, so expect slightly shorter odds on him; punters might back Verstappen in win/podium markets while seeking value on Norris in early rounds as he rides title momentum.
Verstappen to Adopt No.3 After Number Swap with Norris
Max Verstappen has confirmed he will carry the No.3 on his Red Bull next season after giving up the No.1 plate, which newly crowned champion Lando Norris will use. Verstappen previously raced with No.33 until his first title in 2021 and says he simply prefers the single three.
Ricciardo Clears Way for the Return of No.3
Daniel Ricciardo — who used No.3 earlier in his career and last raced in Singapore last season — has given Verstappen permission to take the number. The FIA has also approved the reassignment under its rules governing driver numbers.
FIA Rules and Number Reassignment
Since the 2014 regulation change, drivers may select an available number between 2 and 99 to use throughout their careers. Numbers can be reassigned only if the previous holder has not raced for two consecutive seasons or has explicitly released the number, clearing the path for returns like this.
Context: Champions and Personal Branding
Drivers increasingly treat numbers as personal brands. Lewis Hamilton famously chose No.44 — the karting number he started with — and has largely declined to adopt No.1 after his championship years. Verstappen’s move to No.3 follows that same emphasis on long-term identity and fan recognition.
Season Summary and Championship Notes
This season produced a title change, with Lando Norris confirming he will swap his No.4 for the champion’s No.1 after securing the title in the season finale. Despite Verstappen’s recent dominance across multiple seasons, the championship picture shifted during the campaign, underscoring how driver form and team performance remain decisive.
Betting Implications for Punters
Number changes are symbolic and rarely affect on-track performance, so markets should stay driven by pace, reliability and team form. Expect Verstappen to remain short-priced in win and podium markets given his record; savvy bettors might look for early-season value on Norris as champion momentum and psychological boosts can produce short-term gains. Consider hedging with podium or points markets rather than relying on the number swap alone.
The 'what ifs' that could've won Verstappen, Piastri the F1 title
MAX VERSTAPPEN has confirmed he will put the number three on his Red Bull from next season after forcing to remove the No1. Lando Norris has followed in the four-time world champion’s footsteps to use the No1 on his car next term after winning the world title. Verstappen raced with the 33 until his first...
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