Ricciardo named in STUNNING Red Bull partnership decision after he…..read more
Daniel Ricciardo has received a significant endorsement from his former Red Bull teammate, Max Verstappen, despite a challenging 2024 Formula 1 season. Ricciardo’s tenure at AlphaTauri ended after a disappointing performance in Singapore, where he finished in 18th place, the last of the remaining runners. Throughout the season, Ricciardo was consistently outpaced by his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, with Tsunoda claiming the bulk of the team’s points. This led to speculation that Ricciardo’s seat might be at risk, and the rumors were confirmed when he was replaced by Liam Lawson ahead of the Singapore Grand Prix.
Ricciardo’s return to the Red Bull family in 2023 was part of his goal to secure a seat with the senior team, especially as Sergio Perez’s underperformance seemed to open up a potential spot. However, Perez’s struggles in 2024 didn’t materialize in a way that would benefit Ricciardo’s campaign for the seat, as the 35-year-old didn’t demonstrate his previous form or show enough to convince the team that he was the right candidate to replace Perez.
Despite this, Ricciardo received a major boost from Verstappen, who praised him in a recent interview when discussing his best teammate during his Red Bull career. Verstappen has shared the track with several teammates, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Perez, all of whom he has largely dominated. However, when asked about the teammate he learned the most from, Verstappen was unequivocal in his response: Daniel Ricciardo.
Verstappen reflected on his time racing alongside Ricciardo from 2016 to 2018, describing the Australian as his most significant learning experience. Verstappen acknowledged that during their time as teammates, their performance levels were closely matched, providing a unique environment for him to learn and grow as a driver. He revealed that he was able to absorb a lot from Ricciardo’s approach and incorporated these lessons into his own development.
The admiration Verstappen holds for Ricciardo is a stark contrast to the competitive atmosphere between the two during their time together at Red Bull. Despite Verstappen’s dominance in their shared years, he recognizes the value of Ricciardo’s skill and contribution to his own career trajectory. Ricciardo’s ability to push Verstappen and his approach to racing were formative experiences for the Dutch driver.
Ricciardo’s career took a turn in 2024 with his departure from AlphaTauri, but Verstappen’s praise offers a glimmer of hope for the Australian’s future in Formula 1. While Ricciardo’s immediate prospects might seem uncertain, this recognition from one of the sport’s best drivers highlights his enduring qualities and potential in the F1 world.
