Sebastian Vettel Pays Tribute to Daniel Ricciardo for Stunning Red Bull Comeback
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel has publicly praised Daniel Ricciardo for what he described as a “stunning” and
“emotional” return to form at Red Bull Racing, following the Australian driver’s remarkable comeback to the podium at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.
Ricciardo, who rejoined the senior Red Bull team at the start of the 2025 season after a challenging few years with Renault and McLaren and a transitional stint at AlphaTauri (now RB), delivered an exceptional performance in Barcelona. Qualifying P4 and finishing the race in P2, Ricciardo silenced critics and reignited enthusiasm among his loyal fanbase. The result marks his first podium since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix and his best performance since his return to the Red Bull fold.
Sebastian Vettel, who famously partnered with Ricciardo at Red Bull in 2014, took to social media and later gave a heartfelt interview to Sky Sports F1 in which he lauded Ricciardo’s resilience and racing spirit.
“It’s incredibly emotional to see Daniel back where he belongs—at the front,” said Vettel. “People forget how talented he is because of the difficult seasons he’s had. But I’ve always known him to be a fighter, someone who never gives up. What he did in Spain was pure Ricciardo—fast, fearless, and full of joy.”
Vettel, who retired from F1 in 2022 but remains a revered figure in the paddock, has maintained a close friendship with Ricciardo. He emphasized the significance of Ricciardo’s comeback not just for Red Bull, but for the sport as a whole.
“Formula 1 needs characters like Daniel,” Vettel continued. “He brings energy, laughter, but also a fierce competitiveness that lifts the whole grid. I’m genuinely happy for him and I think we’re going to see even more from him this season.”
Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull was initially met with skepticism. Many questioned whether the 35-year-old could match the pace of his younger teammate, reigning world champion Max Verstappen. While Verstappen remains dominant, Ricciardo’s Spanish GP drive has shown that he can still challenge the best when given a competitive car.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principal, echoed Vettel’s sentiment in post-race interviews. “Daniel has reminded everyone why we brought him back. His experience, his racecraft, and his unique ability to read a race make him an invaluable asset to the team. It was vintage Daniel out there.”
Ricciardo, visibly emotional after the race, thanked his supporters and gave special mention to Vettel’s tribute.
“Seb’s words mean the world to me,” Ricciardo said. “He was the first teammate I had at Red Bull, and I learned a lot from him. To hear that kind of praise from someone I admire so much is incredibly humbling. I’ve had to work hard to find my rhythm again, and this result is just a start.”
Social media lit up with praise for Ricciardo, with fans and pundits hailing his performance as one of the highlights of the season so far. Hashtags like #RicciardoReturns and #HoneyBadgerBack trended globally after the race.
With the next race in Monaco just around the corner, expectations are high. Vettel believes that Ricciardo is more than capable of sustaining this level of performance.
“If this is just the beginning of Daniel’s second chapter with Red Bull, I think we’re in for a fantastic ride,” Vettel concluded. “He’s proven once again that you should never count him out.”
As the F1 season heats up, Ricciardo’s resurgence has not only boosted Red Bull’s strategic depth but also added another compelling narrative to the 2025 championship. Whether it leads to more podiums or even a victory, one thing is certain—Daniel Ricciardo is back, and the world is watching.
