Verstappen to take Ricciardo's racing number

LONDON:

Max Verstappen will take Daniel Ricciardo's old racing number three next season now that Lando Norris has put number one on his McLaren as Formula One world champion.

Red Bull's four-times world champion raced with the 33 until his first title in 2021, the number also appearing on a multitude of caps and shirts -- and even some fan tattoos.

"My favourite number has always been three, apart from number one," the Dutch driver told Viaplay. "We can now swap, so it'll be number three.

"Number 33 was always fine, but I just like one three better than two. I always said it represented double luck but I've already had my luck in Formula One."

Australian Ricciardo was Verstappen's Red Bull teammate from 2016-18 but has now retired. The governing FIA and driver have given permission for the number three to be used again.

Drivers previously had to stick with the same number through their careers and must not have raced for two consecutive seasons before it can be reassigned. Ricciardo last raced in Singapore in September last year.

Norris confirmed this month that he was swapping his number four for the champion's one.

New terms for 2026

Formula One fans will be hearing a lot about Boost, Overtake, Active Aero and Recharge in 2026 after saying farewell to DRS, the drag reduction system that provided an extra burst of speed for overtaking.

The Liberty Media-owned sport announced revised terminology on Wednesday to accompany the start of a new engine era and what it is calling the biggest ever overhaul of the technical regulations.

The cars will be thinner and lighter with narrower tyres and a 50/50 split on internal combustion, using sustainable fuel, and electric power.

"In this new generation the drivers have more power in their hands than ever before," Formula One said in a statement.

"Critical decision making over energy deployment, regeneration and conservation puts even greater responsibility on them.

"Understanding how they will deploy and use these new tactical elements will be vital in ensuring the greatest appreciation of their skill and race-craft."

Formula One said it wanted to avoid 'gimmicks and jargon' and had finalised a list of new terms after consulting the governing FIA, teams, engineers and fans new and old.

OVERTAKE MODE replaces DRS, a strategic tool giving extra power for overtaking to drivers who are within a second of the car in front. It can be used in one go or spread over a lap.

BOOST MODE is a driver-operated energy deployment used in attack or defence, depending on track position. It will provide maximum power from the engine and battery, anywhere on the track, at the push of a button.

ACTIVE AERO refers to movable front and rear wing elements with Corner and Straight modes. Formula One says it will enable "strategic adaptability and maximises full usage of the car’s power through greater on track grip."

RECHARGE will be any opportunity for drivers to recharge their car's battery with "recovered energy from braking, on throttle lift at the end of straights and even corners where only part power is applied.