Daniel Ricciardo Reflects on Max Verstappen’s F1 Success

In a recent interview, Daniel Ricciardo expressed his admiration for Max Verstappen and celebrated his former teammate’s remarkable achievements in Formula 1. Ricciardo’s comments come after he faced a challenging period that saw him leave the sport, only to return briefly before stepping away again. Their time as teammates at Red Bull Racing left a lasting impression on Ricciardo, who has reflected on both their careers since parting ways.

Verstappen, who burst onto the Formula 1 scene as a 17-year-old, has since become a dominant force in the sport. He made headlines when he won his first race with Red Bull at just 18 years old. Ricciardo, already an established driver at the team, found himself in direct competition with Verstappen, leading to moments of tension, notably their collision at the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Ricciardo made the decision to leave Red Bull at the end of that season, setting their careers on divergent paths.

Since then, Verstappen has secured four World Championships, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats. In contrast, Ricciardo’s subsequent stints with Renault and McLaren were less successful, culminating in his departure from the grid. He returned to Red Bull as a reserve driver and re-entered the competition in 2023 when Nyck de Vries was dismissed from the sister team Racing Bulls. However, Ricciardo faced another setback when he was removed from his race seat shortly thereafter.

Despite these challenges, Ricciardo holds no animosity towards Verstappen. During the interview, he conveyed his pride in Verstappen’s accomplishments, stating, “Seeing Max go on to be a four-time World Champion? I lose count. He has won that many now. But four-time World Champion, I am proud.” His words reveal a genuine appreciation for their shared experiences on the track.

Life After Formula 1

Ricciardo has opted for a quieter lifestyle since leaving Formula 1, embracing self-discovery and personal growth. Earlier this summer, he was spotted at Wimbledon, showcasing a new look with longer hair and a beard. He reflected on this transformation, saying, “I haven’t been shaving my face, the beard is my comfort right now. This year has been a bit of self-exploration.”

He described a year filled with moments of stillness and introspection, allowing him to appreciate life’s simple pleasures. “I have always been driven, and that sometimes leads you to being selfish, so I am trying to learn to be a bit more selfless and become a better listener,” Ricciardo added.

Looking back on his career, Ricciardo expressed gratitude for the journey, noting, “I never thought I would have this career. My dream was to be World Champion, and there were years where I genuinely felt like it was going to happen. I got close; that is okay. If I were a World Champion sitting here today, would it change how I feel, or how I view myself? I don’t think so. I have no regrets.”

Ricciardo’s reflections offer a glimpse into the life of a former racing star navigating the complexities of identity beyond the sport. His candid remarks about Verstappen highlight the respect that remains between the two drivers, showcasing the camaraderie that often exists beneath the competitive surface of Formula 1.