Why must Max Verstappen change his car number for the 2026 F1 season?

Max Verstappen must change his car number because Lando Norris won the 2025 Formula 1 championship and has claimed the No. 1 designation.

Can Lando Norris choose to keep his original number instead of using No. 1?

Yes, F1 champions have the option to use the No. 1 or keep their originally selected permanent number.

When did the F1 rule about using the No. 1 car number change?

The rule for using the No. 1 became optional in 2014, allowing champions to choose between No. 1 and their permanent number.

Home / Sports / Norris Claims No. 1: Verstappen Reverts to No. 33

Norris Claims No. 1: Verstappen Reverts to No. 33

14 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Lando Norris secured the No. 1 car number after winning the F1 championship.
Max Verstappen must now use his original No. 33 for the 2026 season.
The No. 1 is optional for champions; drivers can keep their permanent numbers.

Norris Claims No. 1: Verstappen Reverts to No. 33

Following his dramatic championship win, McLaren driver Lando Norris has earned the right to display the prestigious No. 1 on his Formula 1 car for the 2026 season. Norris narrowly defeated Max Verstappen by two points in the final race, marking a significant shift in the sport's iconic numbering.

Max Verstappen, who has proudly carried the No. 1 for the last three years, will now be compelled to return to his original racing number, 33. This change underscores the dynamic nature of F1 championships, where success dictates the display of the ultimate racing symbol.

While the No. 1 signifies reigning champion status, its use has become optional since 2014. Drivers like seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton have chosen to stick with their personal numbers, such as 44, demonstrating that the symbolic No. 1 is a choice, not a requirement.