Daniel Ricciardo defends Max Verstappen’s radio outburst during Hungary GP

Multiple drivers have been critical of the restrictions imposed on them to behave properly on the radio amid high-adrenaline situations.

Daniel Ricciardo defends Max Verstappen’s radio outburst during Hungary GP

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Red Bull began the 2024 season as the class of the field. However, the RB20 witnessed a drastic slump in its performance, closing the pack up, which resulted in the team losing more races than anticipated. This led to frustration in Max Verstappen‘s camp, he was even heard yapping on the team radio during the Hungarian GP. The outburst led to discussions behind closed doors within the Austrian team. Despite a fair share of criticism, ex-teammate Daniel Ricciardo defended Verstappen .

Max Verstappen has won 41 races since the start of the 2022. The Dutchman has won seven races so far this season. However, with his last race win coming in Spain, his carriage has gotten derailed and caused immense frustration to him. On the other hand, Red Bull‘s strategy has been sub-par over a few weekends which led him to disobey team suggestions, and was often heard battering his race engineer over the radio.

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The radio outbursts in Hungary were not overlooked by the people in the paddock and earned the triple-champion condemnation. However, this did not stop Daniel Ricciardo from defending Verstappen as he revealed his perspective amidst such backlash.

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I think there was one where GP [Lambiase] said something about bringing the tyres in. Obviously, Max[Verstappen] didn't. He just probably pushed straight away... I would say that's coming from a place of frustration. So, something leading up to that has probably made him just be like: 'I don't care anymore'. I'm just going to push and see what happens - it's probably built up frustration through the race.
Daniel Ricciardo said in an interview with RacingNews365

The Aussie further went on to add:

But yeah, it happens... Going back and forth, having conversations through the race, it's probably not ideal. I guess we've all been there at times.
Daniel Ricciardo via the same interview

The 34-year-old claimed that the Dutchman was possibly infuriated by how his race was going. Moreover, he reckoned that these instances were common as just a week prior, he was also left frustrated by his team in Hungary after the race.

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Daniel Ricciardo claims to be having fun in the Red Bull family

Despite his race being mediocre in Hungary, the Aussie has been a potential candidate for a Red Bull promotion. Amid such speculation, Ricciardo revealed that he feels at home and likes the atmosphere inside the Red Bull motorhome.

RB's Daniel Ricciardo
Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)

The eight-time Grand Prix winner admitted that he likes being under the ‘microscope’ of Red Bull’s hierarchy. 

Helmut[Marko] still is – he’ll let you know when the result’s not good. But yeah, I definitely feel happy being back in that and under that kind of microscope, if you will. And in that environment with a little bit of that pressure, it’s fun.
Daniel Ricciardo said in the media briefings as quoted by Lastonwords

Ricciardo elaborated that he has a great relationship with Helmut Marko. On the other hand, he gets constructive criticism from the Austrian, which helps him stay motivated, making the environment a lot more fun for him.

Apart from this, the Australian is seemingly set to replace Sergio Perez on the senior team. Despite him having some torrential races so far this season, he has proved himself in the 2023 season and has shown glimpses of his prime in the RB. Thus, the Belgian GP weekend might be a make or break for Ricciardo’s future in F1.

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