Daniel Ricciardo has hailed his former Formula 1 teammate Max Verstappen as “one of the best ever”, highlighting the four-time world champion’s qualities.
Ricciardo raced against Verstappen between 2016 and 2018, becoming a partnership that drivers respected and fans adored.
Despite the mutual respect between the pair, flashpoints did occur, most notably Baku 2018, where after a race long battle, they collided, the damage done from Ricciardo hitting Verstappen’s rear enough to wipe them both out of the race.
The move played its part in Ricciardo departing for Renault at season’s end, but has now confirmed his fond memories of racing against the four time world champion, and his happiness at Red Bull’s achievements with their own power unit.
“‘Very happy for all of them, and for Max. I look back on my time as teammates with Max very fondly,” he said in a recent interview.
“It was a cool time. And yes, there were moments of intense rivalry and competition, and all of it, but I think it just made us push ourselves to another level, and I loved that.
“He’s gone on and done so much, and he’s going to go down as one of the best ever. No doubt about it. He’s an insane talent. I saw a stat, I think every year he’s been with Red Bull, he’s won.
“So every year for the last however many years he’s won a race, and for them to do it, you know, with Ford Racing this year to come out and win is I can’t even comprehend.
Daniel Ricciardo praises Red Bull Powertrains
Ricciardo also praised Red Bull Powertrain’s achievements, with Verstappen taking three victories to date in 2026, and ending the year with what the FIA has deemed the most powerful engine.
“I knew a bit about the project and what they were building, but I can’t comprehend everything that’s gone into it, and for them to go and win in their first season together is, I mean, there’s no better guy to do it than Max.” he said.
“So the whole thing’s been awesome, and I sent Max and quite a few of the team that I speak with a message afterwards and shared my congrats and my happiness.”
Ricciardo has hung up his helmet since his final race in 2024, becoming a Ford ambassador.
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