Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri can force Max Verstappen into making a huge change if they beat him to the F1 drivers’ championship in Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen’s victory in Lusail puts him just 12 points behind Norris heading to the final round, with Piastri also still in play after finishing second, two places ahead of Norris.
McLaren had the race in their hands but were the only team to opt against pitting on lap seven under safety car conditions, essentially handing the entire grid including Verstappen a free pitstop.
Piastri was described as ‘broken’ by Martin Brundle following the chequered flag, with only two of his McLaren crew greeting him to celebrate his first podium since Monza.
Despite his recent struggles the Australian remains in the fight, and both he and his McLaren teammate could steal Verstappen’s driver number if they emerge victorious on Sunday.
Verstappen has been sporting the iconic ‘number 1’ since he took his maiden championship in 2021 making Abu Dhabi his 92nd consecutive race as champion.
The ‘number 1’ is reserved for the reigning world champion, though drivers are not obliged to use it with Lewis Hamilton previously keeping his race number as 44 despite being the reigning champion.
It is unknown if either Piastri or Norris would take Verstappen’s number, although the Dutchman will be forced to return to 33 or adopt a new driver number for 2026 if he falls short.
Verstappen’s Red Bull sporting the number 1 (credit: getty)
Verstappen wants number 69 if he loses F1 championship
With every drivers free to change their number for 2026, Verstappen was quizzed on what he would pick if he is forced to change.
“I’m considering a lot of options at the moment,” he said.
The Dutchman revealed he is considering taking his former teammate Daniel Ricciardo’s number, as well as rather surprisingly 69, and not for the reason you would think.
“I will look at it over the winter, but my favourite number is 3,” he added.
“I actually wanted No. 69, but my dad said ‘that’s not a good idea. But that number always looks the same, no matter how you look at the car!
Verstappen reiterated: “No. 69 would be very good for the photos and marketing, and for the caps as well. It doesn’t matter how you wear them, it always stays No. 69. In that respect it would be a good marketing tool.”
