It has now been confirmed that Max Verstappen will undergo a brutal and highly symbolic change for the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. A move that has already sparked widespread reaction among fans. While much of the attention surrounding Verstappen usually centers on performance and titles, this decision highlights a more personal side of the four-time world champion as the sport enters a new era.

According to statements published by RacingNews365, Verstappen has decided to abandon his iconic number 33 and race with a number never seen on his car before. “It won’t be 33,” Verstappen explained. “My favorite number has always been 3, except for 1. Now we can change it. It will be 3. The 33 was always fine, but I prefer a single 3 over two 3s.” The Dutch driver also joked that while 33 once symbolized double luck, he has already had more than enough fortune in Formula 1.

The change marks the end of an era for Verstappen’s visual identity. Since his debut, the number 33 has become synonymous with his rise, his dominance, and his transformation into one of the most successful drivers in the sport’s history. Dropping it is not just a cosmetic update—it represents a reset ahead of Formula 1’s sweeping 2026 regulation changes.

Verstappen also addressed other suggestions that have followed him for years. “And what about 69?” he joked. “Every time I mention it in an interview, Kelly looks at me like, ‘What are you saying?’” The comment, delivered with his trademark dry humor, quickly caught attention online.

Rather than clinging to symbols of past success, the Red Bull driver appears ready to redefine himself once again. The number 3, stripped down and minimal, aligns with Verstappen’s no-nonsense approach on track—direct, aggressive, and focused on performance as he looks to regain the top spot in a changed competitive landscape.

In a sport where branding and identity matter more than ever, Verstappen’s move stands out. While others carefully protect the image built during championship seasons, he is openly resetting his own ahead of a fresh cycle in Formula 1.

As Formula 1 counts down to 2026, Verstappen’s number change may seem small compared to sweeping regulation changes and the rise of a new champion. But it sends a clear message: Verstappen is not standing still. After being dethroned, he is preparing for the next chapter—on his own terms.