Four-time world champion Max Verstappen reflects on his toughest battles and reveals his former Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo was the fiercest rival he faced in the same garage.
Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, has faced many talented teammates throughout his career. However, when asked who his toughest rival within the same team was, Verstappen did not hesitate to name Daniel Ricciardo as the most notable.
The Verstappen-Ricciardo era at Red Bull
Verstappen joined Red Bull Racing midway through the 2016 season and immediately made an impact by winning his first race with the team in Spain. Paired with Daniel Ricciardo, the duo quickly became fan favorites, known not only for their competitiveness on the track, but also for their camaraderie and “bromance” moments off the track.
Between 2016 and 2018, Ricciardo gave Verstappen a hard time, narrowly losing the head-to-head points standings during their partnership. Ricciardo's consistency, racing know-how and daring earned him immense respect from Verstappen, who admitted that Ricciardo pushed him to improve his own performance.
“Clearly Daniel Ricciardo. I was able to learn the most from him. I absorbed a lot of things and integrated them into my experiences,” Verstappen shared when reflecting on his strongest teammate.
Separation and divergent paths
The 2018 season marked a turning point as Ricciardo decided to leave Red Bull for Renault (now Alpine), ending a dynamic partnership. While Ricciardo sought new opportunities, Verstappen remained loyal to Red Bull, a decision that ultimately paid off with four world titles.
Unfortunately, Ricciardo's move to Enstone marked the start of a difficult phase in his career. After a spell at Renault, he joined McLaren, where he struggled to find consistent form and was eventually released. Now retired from full-time racing, Ricciardo's career stands in stark contrast to Verstappen's meteoric rise.
Verstappen's historic dominance
Since his maiden championship victory in 2021, Verstappen has become the dominant force in Formula 1, accumulating four world titles and establishing himself as one of the sport's all-time greats. Reflecting on his incredible journey, the Dutchman expressed pride in his achievements but stressed he is not done.
“Crazy, but of course I'm proud, and now I want the fifth title,” Verstappen said, aiming for another championship in the upcoming 2025 season.
A new challenge on the horizon
While Verstappen's past battles have shaped the champion he is today, the 2025 season presents a new challenge. Red Bull's dominance has been challenged by a resurgent McLaren, who have overtaken the Milton Keynes-based team in the performance rankings.
The English team's new advantage could make Verstappen's fifth title defense one of the most difficult of his career, with the tide now looking in favor of the McLaren camp.
Legacy forged through rivalry
As Verstappen prepares for the next chapter, his journey highlights the role fierce rivalries and strong teammates play in making a champion. Ricciardo's influence on Verstappen's early days is undeniable, and their time together at Red Bull remains one of the most memorable partnerships in recent F1 history.
Whether Verstappen can add another title to his already illustrious career remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the lessons he learned racing alongside Daniel Ricciardo will continue to serve him well.
