Max Verstappen Admits Not Being Happy With #33 in F1, Thanks to Daniel Ricciardo

The 2022 season has already seen some exciting battles and drama all over the grid. Max Verstappen won his first race of the season at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. There is a tradition in Formula 1 that the current champion can use the number 1 the following season. However, Lewis Hamilton, for all these years, continued with his traditional number 44 even after winning the Championship, but Verstappen didn’t follow the Brit.

The Dutchman is proud to showcase the number 1 after winning his first World Championship. In the preceding seasons, the Red Bull driver chose 33 to represent his car. In an interview with Red Bull, Verstappen revealed why he chose the number 1 and revealed the story behind his previous number 33.

Max Verstappen’s story behind his iconic number 33

Max Verstappen took his time out for an interview with Red Bull. In an enticing conversation, Verstappen spoke about last season’s drama, his relationship with Michael Schumacher, and his favorite thing in the world – cars. He also answered why he chose the number 1 and an interesting story behind his old number 33.

The Dutch driver said, “My previous number 33 was not originally my favorite number, that would have been the three. But Daniel Ricciardo already had that when I got into Formula 1.”

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F1 fans around the world know that Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen share a good relationship since their Red Bull days. Even though their crash during the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix raised question marks over their friendship, they still look out for each other. The fact that Verstappen’s iconic number 33 was not his preferred choice is something that will surprise the fans.

Meanwhile, the Dutchman also conveyed why he opted for the number 1. The Seven-time World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, never drove with the evocative number except during the 2009 season. However, Verstappen revealed it was rather a straightforward decision to choose number 1. According to him, it also felt natural to inherit the number to mark an excellent 2021 campaign.

Helmut Marko reveals Red Bull’s plan to reduce the weight of the car

Meanwhile, Red Bull’s advisor gave his thoughts on the RB18 and how they are coping against the Ferrari. The Prancing Horses have started the season as favorites. However, Sergio Perez’s pole in qualifying along with Verstappen’s stunning victory in Jeddah means Red Bulls are right back on track.

Marko revealed they plan to reduce the weight of the car during the Imola GP to add more pace. He said, “Reducing weight means more expensive materials, which are lighter, and new parts have to be made as well. Our car is definitely more difficult to tune, but we will lose some weight in Imola. That should give us a significant time advantage, time gain in other words.”

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Charles Leclerc revealed Red Bull was quicker in the straights during the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. With changes to make the car quicker, Red Bull are right back into contention to take away to top spots on the table away from Ferrari. Can Max Verstappen and Co upset the Ferrari fans? It remains to be seen.