Could Verstappen, Hamilton Change Their Driver Numbers? FIA Announces Major Rule Change For 2026

Formula 1 is set for a subtle but significant shake-up in 2026, with the sport approving a major change to its long-standing driver-number regulations during the final F1 Commission meeting of 2025.

The meeting, held this week at the FIA’s London headquarters, covered a wide range of topics as the sport prepares for its next regulations era.

In the past, these quarterly Commission meetings have revealed key insights into F1’s rapid global growth, including earlier reports that the fan base has surged to 827 million, with younger audiences flocking to the championship.

But the headline development this time? Drivers will soon be allowed to change their career race numbers.

In discussions on 14 November, the Commission formally agreed to update the regulations

governing permanent driver numbers — a system introduced in 2014 to give drivers personal identity on the grid.

According to the FIA’s official communication, the group reached an agreement: “A proposal allowing drivers to change their number during their career will be permitted.”

If officially approved and written into the 2026 sporting regulations, this will end more than a decade of the fixed-number rule, giving drivers the option to switch their race number from season to season.

The move could have fascinating consequences given how iconic certain numbers have become in modern F1 — from Lewis Hamilton’s famous #44 to Sebastian Vettel’s #5 and Max Verstappen’s former #33.

Crucially, nothing will force drivers to abandon their current number. Hamilton can keep #44 forever if he wants, but for the first time since 2013, he won’t have to.

Details on the implementation remain undisclosed, though it is widely expected that the reigning World Champion will continue to receive exclusive rights to carry #1, in line with tradition and current regulations.