close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US

Why Ricciardo thought Verstappen partnership wouldn't work

Photo: © LAT Images

Why Ricciardo thought Verstappen partnership wouldn't work

Daniel Ricciardo says he did not expect to enjoy such a harmonious relationship with Max Verstappen when the Dutchman arrived at Red Bull during the 2016 season. The pair were regularly pitched in on-track battle, but have retained a close rapport throughout.

A collision between the pair in Baku this year might have led to acrimony, but the incident was quickly brushed off as they accepted equal responsibility.

Ricciardo will depart for Renault next year, with Pierre Gasly filling the void alongside Verstappen.

Ricciardo said he would remain friends with the Dutchman on Red Bull's end-of-season podcast, but cheekily added: "Unless we're battling for the same bit of Tarmac. That could always spice it up!

"I'd say the relationship with Max and myself went better than, I'll be honest, I thought it would go. Just our personalities and our self-belief.

"I really believe he thinks he's the best in the world and I believe I am. So, that can obviously clash.

"But we always managed at least 99 per cent of the time managed to keep that in its own little place.

"It was cool, it was a good, hard fight with him and I enjoyed it."

MORE: Marko savagely trolls McLaren over Honda move
MORE: Verstappen - Gasly roles confirmed by Red Bull

Just in

17:57
Lewis Hamilton is now winless for a year but iconic track will bring Ferrari star glory
15:58
NLS 2026 Schedule: When is Max Verstappen's next chance of redemption at the Nurburgring?
14:56
Zak Brown summons F1 team to McLaren HQ as 2026 crisis addressed
13:55
F1 champion to make surprise appearance in 2026 London Marathon
12:57
'They should all be sacked': Aston Martin scolded for major Honda blunder
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

Lewis Hamilton is now winless for a year but iconic track will bring Ferrari star glory F1 2026

Lewis Hamilton is now winless for a year but iconic track will bring Ferrari star glory

17 minutes ago
Mercedes release official statement after disqualification heartbreak Mercedes

Mercedes release official statement after disqualification heartbreak

Today 11:53
Max Verstappen Red Bull Nurburgring ban confirmed - 'Too dangerous' Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen Red Bull Nurburgring ban confirmed - 'Too dangerous'

Today 08:28
Max Verstappen Nurburgring Results: Final NLS2 Race times and positions after Mercedes disqualification Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen Nurburgring Results: Final NLS2 Race times and positions after Mercedes disqualification

Yesterday 21:35
Ontdek het op Google Play
x