Max Verstappen names his strongest F1 teammate ever
With Max Verstappen having raced against an array of F1 drivers, he named Daniel Ricciardo as his toughest teammate.
Follow Us
Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen, image via F1
Red Bull‘s second seat has often been a poisonous venture with Max Verstappen leading the team. He has won the head-to-head battle against every teammate he has partnered with. However, one teammate stood apart who gave the Dutchman tough competition in the form of Daniel Ricciardo, who Verstappen reckoned to be his strongest F1 teammate.
Max Verstappen joined Red Bull mid-way through the 2016 season. Immediately, he left a mark on the team as he won the debut race with the Austrian giant. Soon after, the pair of Daniel Ricciardo and the Dutchman got well together and their bromance moments soared F1 search results.
On the contrary, the 2018 season emerged as a breakup point. Ricciardo parted ways with Red Bull to join Renault(now Alpine) and ended this partnership.
Despite the breakup, Verstappen only marginally outscored him over the three-year span that they spent as teammates at Red Bull and gave him a tough fight for every buck. Subsequently, taking this into account, the 27-year-old named Daniel Ricciardo as his fiercest teammate.
Clearly Daniel Ricciardo, I was able to learn the most from him. I absorbed a lot and incorporated it into my experiences.
Max Verstappen said (via Blick)
However, the move to Enstone appeared to be the first domino to fall in Ricciardo’s career. The Aussie was then subsequently sacked by his future employers two times and is now understood to be retired.
Max Verstappen reflects on his journey as an F1 champion
While Ricciardo’s career took a downward turn, Verstappen’s faith in Red Bull was rewarded by him winning four titles. The reigning champion won his maiden championship in 2021 and has never looked back since.
Verstappen had to fend off a threat from Lewis Hamilton to win his first title. This fight went on till the final lap of the race in Abu Dhabi(season finale), which saw Verstappen take home the title.
Reflecting upon his journey as an F1 champion, the Dutchman shared how he felt knowing he has amassed four world championships. Moreover, he claimed that he is now ready to win his fifth title after making history last year.
Crazy, but of course I’m proud and now I want the fifth title.
Max Verstappen said (via Blick)
On the contrary, McLaren has overtaken Red Bull in performance charts. The English team is slated to retain this advantage during the 2025 season. This would make Verstappen’s title defence a mammoth of a task as the direction of the wind has shifted towards Lando Norris‘ camp.
Stay Updated!
Geetansh Pasricha
(772 Articles Published)