During the final sector of the 2021 Formula 1 season, championship protagonist Max Verstappen was asked whether he would race with No. 1 on his car if he wins the title. “I will indeed drive with number 1,” said the Red Bull driver.

“You don’t often have the chance to do that, maybe it’s my only chance. I think it’s a beautiful, I’m definitely going to stick it on the car.”

Jump forward a few weeks ahead, and the world champion is Max Verstappen. And a man of his word, he will stick the No.1 on his car next season, which means his previous No. 33 will rest for at least a season.

We know the simple story behind the No.1, but what about the No. 33?

As it turns out, ‘Super Max’ chose the 33 on the advice of his former teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. Initially, Verstappen wanted No. 3, which he considers his lucky number. But that number was taken by Ricciardo.

So the Dutchman chose the 33, “for double happiness.”

We know about Max Verstappen now, but why does Ricciardo use No.3?

Ricciardo, who races with the No.3, does so because of his love for the American legend Dale Earnhardt. The McLaren driver is a huge fan of the seven-time NASCAR champion.

In fact, Ricciardo had one of the most special moments of his life as he put in some laps in his idol’s car at the COTA before the United States GP.

Numbers for Formula 1 drivers are either preferential or they hold a special meaning or even superstitions. But at the end of the day, they’re just numbers that represent them.

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And the real numbers that count are the ones they put in at the racetrack.

Also Read: Max Verstappen Walks a Delicate Tightrope Towards a Race Ban in 2022 F1 Season