Overview
- An F1 Commission meeting agreed in principle to let drivers change their permanent numbers, with final wording and FIA World Motor Sport Council approval still pending.
- Max Verstappen said he will review options over the winter and favors No. 3 for 2026 if he cannot continue with No. 1.
- Under rules introduced in 2014, numbers are permanent and remain reserved for two seasons after a driver’s last start, keeping Ricciardo’s No. 3 unavailable since his 2024 Singapore appearance.
- Verstappen acknowledged he would need FIA clearance and potentially consent linked to Ricciardo’s claim before any switch to No. 3 is possible.
- The discussion was reportedly raised at Red Bull’s request, and commercial branding tied to Ricciardo’s ‘3’ underscores the practical hurdles beyond the regulatory change.