Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Champion, recently opened up about his close friendship with Daniel Ricciardo, the Australian driver whose future in the sport has become increasingly uncertain. Ricciardo, once a top contender for championships, has struggled in recent seasons, leading to speculation about whether he will remain on the grid in the coming years.
In an interview, Verstappen praised Ricciardo not only as a fierce competitor but also as a good friend. “He’s just a great guy,” Verstappen said. “We’ve always had a good relationship, even when we were teammates. We had a lot of fun together, and that hasn’t changed.”
Verstappen and Ricciardo were Red Bull teammates from 2016 to 2018, a period in which they developed a strong bond despite their competitive nature on the track. Ricciardo’s departure from Red Bull, followed by challenging stints at Renault and McLaren, hasn’t diminished their friendship. Verstappen acknowledged that Ricciardo’s current position is difficult, but he expressed confidence that Ricciardo could still make an impact in F1, should he choose to continue.
As questions about Ricciardo’s future swirl, Verstappen’s support highlights the respect he commands in the paddock, and many fans hope the Australian will find a path forward in the sport.