Max Verstappen will carry number 3 on his Red Bull next year. The number debuted on Friday on the brand-new RB22 during the season launch in Detroit. For the past three years the Dutchman raced with number 1, but that honour now belongs to newly crowned world champion Lando Norris. Verstappen did have to convince former team-mate Daniel Ricciardo to give up number 3, but that needed little persuasion, he revealed.
Between 2015 and 2021 Max Verstappen raced with start number 33 on his car. He had actually preferred to run number 3, but that number was then held by Daniel Ricciardo. Now the Australian has been retired for well over a year, Verstappen is free to use number 3. Still, he wanted to ask his former team-mate for permission first. Ricciardo, however, required little convincing, Verstappen told CBS on Friday.
“A few drinks together, yes, that always helps,” the Dutchman laughed lightly. To Verstappen’s great delight he may finally carry his ‘favourite’ number. The four-time world champion was in any case pleased with the RB22, which has finally been given the glossy paint finish he likes so much. “Yes, I’ve been asking for this for some time, so this is great,” Verstappen said during the unveiling. “I like the gloss. I like the blue too, that’s my favourite colour. And the contours of the Red Bull logo; it all looks much fresher.”
