Daniel Ricciardo reveals how Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon have helped him grow

Daniel Ricciardo reveals how Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon have helped him grow

Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo

Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo has had a pretty decent previous season with Renault. Before moving onto his next chapter on the track for McLaren, Ricciardo talks about how his former teammates Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon. Over the years, Ricciardo has had teammates like Verstappen in Red Bull and Ocon in Renault. Who not only gave him tough competition week after week, but helped him build onto his abilities. 

Interesting to note, Ricciardo is 8 years elder than Verstappen and 7 year elder than Ocon. He goes a step beyond in the upcoming season, driving besides Lando Norris who is 10 years younger than him. These young and energetic guys have used their abilities and skills to challenge Ricciardo at every stage in his career. Given that the newest McLaren Driver is approaching towards the probably end of his career, he spoke about them recently. 

Daniel Ricciardo on Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon 

“I’ve always enjoyed and embraced a new teammate. It’s no secret that they are your first rival. They are always the guy that deep down you want to beat the most because they represent your fairest competition. 

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“And [Ocon] is a young, hungry kid coming up – a bit similar to Max [Verstappen] in some respects. It’s been an opportunity to learn, and to understand how the younger generation are wired,” pointed out the Australian. 

“I think with the younger drivers you see they are pretty quick learners. If I go out and do a fast corner, full-throttle, then in the next session, or on the next lap even, they’re going to do it too, so I like that. 

“I like being kept on my toes and it’s forcing me to grow and get better,” explained Ricciardo. 

Having said that, what are your opinions on Lando and Ricciardo’s partnership? Will the Australian Driver be a championship contender driving the Mercedes inspired new McLaren car? 

Also Read: Jacques Villeneuve takes a dig at Ferrari Driving Academy