“Max Verstappen and I wanted to end each other’s career at Red Bull”: Daniel Ricciardo

“Max Verstappen and I wanted to end each other’s career at Red Bull”: Daniel Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen

Red Bull has been one team which has developed major tensions with rivalries among teammates in the recent past. The last time this happened was when Max Verstappen joined the team to drive alongside Daniel Ricciardo. Until Verstappen had come into the team, Ricciardo was their star. But as soon as Red Bull realised the potential of Verstappen, he became the team’s immediate treasure. 

It has been over two years since the duo parted ways, and Ricciardo finally opened up on his rivalry with Verstappen. He revealed that both himself and Max had one goal in mind – to destroy each other’s F1 career. Ricciardo also emphasized that there is absolutely no hate between the two but tensions were high back then. 

What did Daniel Ricciardo say? 

Despite the intensity of the rivalry in Red Bull, Ricciardo opened up that he still considers the Dutchman a friend. “I think it’s easier now for me and Max to be friends for two reasons,” he told SquareMile. 

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“I think one is that obviously, we’re not in direct competition. We’re not trying to basically end each other’s careers,” Ricciardo added. 

The Honey Badger opened up that the lack of teammate battle for Verstappen at the moment is helping the latter gain more respect for the McLaren driver. 

“The second point is that I think – I mean, of course, I won races with him as a teammate and got pole position. So I think he always knew I was quick and respected me. But now, since I’ve left, the other drivers have come through and him having different teammates,” Daniel Ricciardo said. 

“I think it’s probably increased his respect for me even more. I mean we never hated each other. We just wanted to end each other’s careers! It’s as simple as that.”

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