Max Verstappen would have liked number 69 on the side of his car.
Max Verstappen will have to change his number next season. PDO
The reigning champion of F1 Max Verstappenwho has worn number 1 for the past few seasons, may have to return to number 33 next season if he fails to repeat his world championship.
However, the situation may change, as the F1 commission has proposed a new rule that would allow drivers to change their race numbers during their careers as well. The proposal still awaits the approval of the Fia Council.
Verstappen said Motorsport said at the press conference that he is considering number 3, which is his former teammate Daniel Ricciardo used by.
– I will look at it during the winter, but my favorite number is 3. We just have to find out if it is possible, Verstappen said in Las Vegas to the media, who inquired about which number he would like to drive next season.
The number is not directly available, as Ricciardo wore it last season and has not yet been out of F1 for the two seasons required for the number to be used again. The decision therefore depends on Fia’s permission.
Another option
Verstappen said with a laugh that he had considered an even more special number at the time, which his father had If Verstappen however, had my own point of view.
“Actually, I wanted number 69, but my dad said it’s not a good idea.”
According to the driver, the number would have been practical and effective in terms of marketing.
– That number always looks the same, no matter which direction you look at the car. 69 would be really good for marketing.
Number 69 is familiar to rally fans, as the Finnish driver of the World Rally Championship Kalle Rovanperä has used it successfully in his career.
The number 69 shines on the side of Kalle Rovanperä’s car. PDO
Starting in 2014, F1 drivers were able to choose their own permanent racing number, which they use throughout their career. Verstappen chose number 33 in his debut race in 2015.
Number 1 is reserved for the reigning world champion. Verstappen won his first championship in 2021 and has worn the number one car since then.
Although number 1 is reserved for the champion, its use is not mandatory, the driver can also drive with his own permanent number if he wishes.