(Motorsport-Total.com) – All Formula 1 drivers compete with a fixed number. The sport introduced the concept of permanent start numbers in 2014 to make the drivers more recognizable for the fans on the track. In the years before, the start numbers were assigned based on the final standings of the World Championship.
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For many years, only the World Champion was allowed to change his start number: He was given the option to exchange his permanent number for the iconic #1. All other drivers had to stick with the number they had originally chosen.
However, following a recent rule change, other drivers can now also apply to change their number – something Max Verstappen has already made use of.
There is a nice story behind the chosen start number of many drivers. It may be their lucky number or they associate special memories with it. In the photo gallery, you can read which driver chose which number for what reason.
Full list of F1 driver numbers 2026
1 Lando Norris
3 Max Verstappen
5 Gabriel Bortoleto
6 Isack Hadjar
10 Pierre Gasly
11 Sergio Perez
12 Kimi Antonelli
14 Fernando Alonso
16 Charles Leclerc
18 Lance Stroll
23 Alexander Albon
27 Nico Hülkenberg
30 Liam Lawson
31 Esteban Ocon
41 Arvid Lindblad
43 Franco Colapinto
44 Lewis Hamilton
55 Carlos Sainz
63 George Russell
77 Valtteri Bottas
81 Oscar Piastri
87 Oliver Bearman
Will Lando Norris drive with number 1 in 2026?
As the reigning World Champion, Lando Norris has the right to choose number 1. After winning his first World Championship title in Abu Dhabi 2025, he decided to do exactly that. The Briton has thus swapped his usual #4 for number 1, which he took over from Max Verstappen after four years.
Number game: The start numbers of the Formula 1 drivers 2026
This was a logical choice for Norris. “The number is there for a reason: you have to fight for it, work hard to earn it. Everyone at McLaren – my mechanics, my engineers, everyone who is part of the team – can also wear this number with pride,” he explained to Sky Sports F1 at the end of 2025.
Why is Max Verstappen driving with number 3 in 2026?
Max Verstappen had to give up number 1 at the end of 2025. A return to #33 seemed like the obvious option, but in 2026, the four-time World Champion is instead wearing number 3 on his Red Bull RB22. He took over this number from Daniel Ricciardo, who left Formula 1 in mid-2024.
Until 2025, drivers were required to use the same start number throughout their entire career. The fact that Verstappen was still able to switch to #3 is due to a change in the regulations. Drivers can now submit an application, and if it is approved, they are allowed to switch.
Verstappen also received Ricciardo’s consent, as the Australian technically retained the rights to the number until mid-2026.
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It is not particularly surprising that Verstappen switched to number 3. It was his lucky number in his youth, and for this reason, he always wanted to use it in Formula 1, but Ricciardo had already occupied it.
“Number 33 was always fine, but I just think a 3 looks better than two 3s,” he explained to Viaplay at the end of 2025. “Of course, I always said it stood for double luck, but I’ve already had my luck in Formula 1.”
Why did Max Verstappen use number 33?
In the years before his first World Championship title, Max Verstappen consequently drove with number 33 in Formula 1. The story behind this choice is quite simple: his favorite number, 3, was already taken, so Verstappen chose 33 instead. “For double luck,” he said at the time with a wink.
“Even as a child I drove around with this number, so I thought it would be nice to use number 33 in Formula 1 as well,” he explained on social media next to a photo of an electric toy car he used to drive around in the family garden. This car also bore the number 33.
At other times in his career, he also drove with a 3 in his number. In the European Formula 3 Championship, the Dutchman competed with number 30, while his car at his Toro Rosso debut bore #38.
Which start number cannot be used in Formula 1?
In Formula 1, start number 17 can no longer be used. Jules Bianchi was driving with this number at the time of his serious accident in Suzuka 2014. He later died from the consequences of the injuries sustained in this crash. As a tribute, Formula 1 decided to no longer assign this start number.
How long does a driver retain the right to an F1 start number?
A driver who leaves the sport can still claim his old start number for two years in the event of a comeback. During this period, the number cannot be used by another driver. This allowed Fernando Alonso to return after a two-year break and choose #14 again, and that is why Alexander Albon with #23 and Nico Hülkenberg with #27 are back.
If a driver returns after a long absence, he must choose a start number again. This can be his old number, provided it is still available. If this is not the case, he must choose a completely new one.
Which start numbers cannot be used in 2026?
2 Logan Sargeant
7 Jack Doohan
17 Jules Bianchi (permanent)
20 Kevin Magnussen
22 Yuki Tsunoda
24 Guanyu Zhou
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