Verstappen is among three drivers with new starting numbers on their cars
This means the Dutchman won’t race with the number one on his car in 2026.
He will switch to number three, using a rule tweak that allows drivers to change their race number.
Photo: Race Pictures
Another British driver is joining the grid next year as Arvid Lindblad joins Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.
Lindblad is stepping up from Formula 2 after just one season at the second tier of motorsport.
Russell has gone skiing in the post-season break
Russell stepped into the team leader role at Mercedes this year after Lewis Hamilton departed for Ferrari.
The British driver won two races in Canada and Singapore. He also comfortably outscored his rookie teammate, Kimi Antonelli.
Photo: Race Pictures
He was also a consistent threat in and around the top five, spearheading Mercedes’ charge to second in the Constructors’ Championship.