F1 fans urge Max Verstappen to ‘change the number’ after spotting eerie Daniel Ricciardo pattern

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As Max Verstappen’s torrid start to the 2026 season continues, fans believe he may have jinxed himself by choosing Daniel Ricciardo’s old number.

Max Verstappen managed to secure a P6 finish at Melbourne, which was a huge boost to Red Bull, given he started the race at the back of the grid and Isack Hadjar’s DNF.

However, last weekend, at the Chinese Grand Prix, Verstappen suffered his own DNF, having to retire the car upon instruction from Red Bull.

Would Max Verstappen be complaining about F1’s 2026 regulations if he had joined Mercedes?

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After the race, Verstappen had a go at the new regulations, which raised concern about the four-time world champion’s future in the sport.

But some eagle-eyed fans observed that Verstappen’s struggles this season are eerily reminiscent of the issues former Red Bull star Daniel Ricciardo faced when he changed his car number to #3.

READ MORE: Formula E co-founder urges Formula 1 to ‘return to what it was’ after hearing Max Verstappen’s fury

Fans want Max Verstappen to drop #3 after spotting Daniel Ricciardo pattern

A fan account on X pointed out that Daniel Ricciardo, after Formula 1 introduced permanent driver numbers in 2014, chose #3 for himself, in honour of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt.

In the first three races of that season, Ricciardo would earn a disqualification and a DNF, before finishing fourth in Bahrain.

Compare that to Max Verstappen this season, who since taking #3 after losing the #1 distinction as he is no longer reigning world champion, has suffered nearly the same results.

Verstappen has finished sixth in his first race, suffered a DNF in his second race, and even though his stint at Nurburgring isn’t considered an official F1 race, he did also get disqualified.

Upon seeing this, fans are urging Max Verstappen to change his number, believing that it is cursed. One fan wrote, “Max, please change the number.”

Another fan referenced Dale Earnhardt’s struggles with the number, noting, “You think that’s cursed? Think about the fate of the legend that drove with the number 3, who inspired Danny Ric to pick that number to begin with.”

“You do not change the name of a boat or the number of a car. Max is 33, he should have kept it,” wrote a third fan.

While a fourth fan added, “We need to get rid of that curse.” A fifth fan made a plea, “Daniel, I’m going to need Max to hand that number back. I’m so serious.”

READ MORE: Max Verstappen’s GT3 rival applauds F1 star for ‘awesome racing’ experience despite Nurburgring DQ

Max Verstappen set for most disappointing season with Red Bull in years

As things stand, Verstappen is set for a difficult Japanese Grand Prix, as Red Bull’s issues seem a long way away from being resolved.

In fact, Verstappen has stated Red Bull need months to address their issues, suggesting their performances in the second half of the season will salvage the season.

In this situation, Verstappen is expected to lead Red Bull as the veteran voice on the team who has seen them struggle in the past.

However, given his own frustration with the situation, he might find it difficult to keep perspective, for not just himself, but the entire team.