SUMMARY
- Max Verstappen's iconic number 33 symbolizes his F1 journey, linked to his identity and success.
- The number reflects Verstappen's preference and early racing history, becoming synonymous with his career.
Reigning world champion Max Verstappen and the number 33 share an inseparable bond, being his racing number since his debut in Formula 1. This number not only adorns his cockpit but also defines his merchandise and online presence, earning him the moniker “Max33Verstappen” on social media, particularly X. However, it triggers the curiosity of onlookers who tend to ask “Why 33?”
The introduction of race numbers in F1 aimed to facilitate driver identification on the track. However, Verstappen decided to stick to 33 even before his first championship win in 2021. Debuting in F1 at 17, the Dutchman became the youngest driver in the sport’s history, etching his name alongside the iconic number 33. Over time, the number has become synonymous with his identity.
Max Verstappen: The story behind #33 in F1
Verstappen finds the shape of the number three appealing and believes 33 brings him good fortune. According to the 26-year-old, “Actually my favorite number is 3 but it was taken already by Daniel Ricciardo, so I couldn’t but then also, I’ll just add another 3 behind it; it’s double luck.” He wrote on X, “Since I was a young kid I was racing around with this number. So I thought it is nice to keep that in F1 as well! #33″
Since I was a young kid I was racing around with this number.So I thought it is nice to keep that in F1 aswell! #33 pic.twitter.com/flGS253ohV
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) December 12, 2014
This gave out a big reveal on the strategy that went through in acquiring that number. His former Red Bull teammate, Ricciardo had already claimed it. Nonetheless, Verstappen embraces 33, attributing it to his fortunate streak. Racing with this number since childhood, its continuation into F1 holds sentimental value for him, as expressed in his tweet.
Nonetheless, the number has been lucky for the 3x champion as he won three consecutive world titles between 2021 to 2023. In the latter year, he demonstrated absolute dominance over the rest of the grid by winning 19 out of 22 races in the season with a grand finale at Abu Dhabi.
17-year-old Verstappen made his fairytale debut in 2015
Now known as the three-time world champion driver, Max Verstappen showcased his skills at his debut race at the Australian Grand Prix in 2015. In the fast-paced world of F1, Verstappen stands out as the youngest driver ever, too young to even drive alone in his home country. At the time of his debut, critics questioned the decision behind his launch and also labeled it to be risky.
However, Red Bull defended their choice, citing the Dutch driver’s exceptional talent likened to legends like Ayrton Senna. Son of former driver Jos Verstappen, he grew up in a very competitive environment and even stated, “Since I was very young my father and I talked about things. hen we drove back from karting we never shut off from racing. We were always talking about how to improve and what we learned that day.”
However, the race in Australia was not very happening for young Verstappen after leading for over half the race, he was put on halt due to the smoke from his Toro Rosso. Then 17-year-old, shattered the previous record held by Jaime Alguersuari. He watched from the sidelines as Lewis Hamilton clinched victory.