Daniel Ricciardo: Max Verstappen is the second-best driver in Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo: Max Verstappen is the second-best driver in Formula 1

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen

McLaren’s Honey Badger, Daniel Ricciardo has endured a tough time battling out against teammate Lando Norris on majority of instances. Although he has registered a win against his name in the season yet hasn’t been able to show consistent growth. However, with just two races remaining to conclude the 2021 F1 season, Ricciardo has suggested that Max Verstappen is the second-best driver in F1. 

To those who are not aware, Red Bull’s ace Max Verstappen went on to claim a sensational debut victory, aged just 18, setting the scene for an intriguing battle with the elder Ricciardo for the next three campaigns after which the latter parted ways with the Austrian team. Ricciardo has clear memories of their first practice session together at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, noting Verstappen’s outright pace and “lack of fear”, which he feels have now been complemented by growing maturity. 

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Daniel Ricciardo on Max Verstappen 

Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo is in no doubt that Verstappen will one day become World Champion, whether it’s in 2021 or further down the line. 

“If it’s not this year, I think it’s inevitable that he wins a world title. Not to say that it’s an easy thing to achieve, but I think he has all the traits to do it,” added Daniel Ricciardo as quoted by racingnews365.com. 

Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo

“Also, his racecraft is good, I like that he goes for gaps. I see a lot of similarities in the way he goes about racing, so that I can certainly respect.” 

Pushed on who’s the better driver, he laughed, “Until the day I stop… I’ll always believe I’m the best. I think the day I stop will be the day that I no longer believe I’m the best driver.” 
 
Ricciardo then quipped, “Is Max the second best? Probably! Probably!” 

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