11 times F1 drivers took another driver’s car number

F1 car numbers are making headlines as Max Verstappen prepares to switch from the champion's number 1 to his preferred number 3 for the 2026 season. This move, made with Daniel Ricciardo's permission, reflects Verstappen's long-held affection for the single digit, having previously used 33. Meanwhile, newly crowned World Champion Lando Norris will proudly adopt number 1, viewing it as a tribute to his entire McLaren team's achievement. This highlights how drivers often select numbers with deep personal meaning, from childhood karting to honoring heroes, like Sebastian Vettel's return to 5 or Andrea Kimi Antonelli's choice of 12 inspired by Ayrton Senna.