During their time as teammates at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo formed one of the most exciting and competitive driver pairings in Formula 1. As Verstappen was making his mark in the sport, Ricciardo, already an established talent, played a pivotal role in helping the young Dutchman adapt to the high-pressure environment of Formula 1. Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner has recently shed light on the significant influence Ricciardo had on Verstappen during those years.
Max Verstappen, now a multiple-time world champion, joined Red Bull as an ambitious 18-year-old in 2016. Horner emphasized how much Verstappen learned from Ricciardo, not only in terms of driving but also in handling the challenges of Formula 1:
“Max learned a huge amount from Daniel. When Max came into the team, he was still the young pup. Daniel, as the senior driver, was a great influence, teaching him not just about racing but also about enjoying the moment and not taking life too seriously.”
Ricciardo’s natural charisma and approachable personality also had an impact on the team dynamics, making their partnership one of the most entertaining on the grid. Their battles on track were fierce, but the camaraderie off the track was just as important in shaping Verstappen into the confident driver he is today.
Ricciardo’s recent departure from Formula 1 after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix has left a void in the sport, particularly for his legions of fans. Despite a difficult few seasons and the struggles that led to his exit, Ricciardo remains a beloved figure in F1. Horner has expressed his desire to see Ricciardo stay connected to the sport and potentially return to a role at Red Bull:
“Daniel is just a brilliant character, a brilliant human being. He lights up a room when he walks into it. We’ve made it very clear that we want him to remain in an ambassadorial capacity with the team.”
Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, has faced a series of setbacks since leaving Red Bull at the end of 2018, including underwhelming stints with Renault and McLaren. Although his recent exit from the grid may seem like the end of his racing career, the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 means that anything is possible. With questions surrounding Red Bull’s current drivers, particularly Sergio Perez, who has struggled with form in 2024, the door may not be completely closed for Ricciardo’s return in the future.
As Verstappen continues to dominate the sport, the bond between him and Ricciardo, forged during their time as teammates, remains an important chapter in both drivers’ careers. Should Perez fail to deliver in the remaining races, there is always the possibility that Ricciardo could be back in contention for a Red Bull seat in 2025. In Formula 1, the future is never certain, and as Horner has made clear, Ricciardo’s place within the sport may not be over just yet.
