Daniel Ricciardo heaps praise on Max Verstappen as all-time F1 great: 'Insane talent'

Former Red Bull star Daniel Ricciardo has hailed Max Verstappen's 'insane' talent and argued that he will go down as one of the greatest in F1 history.

The Aussie got to know Verstappen up close at Red Bull in the mid-to-late 2010s as his team-mate, racing together for just shy of three full seasons before Ricciardo's exit for Renault at the end of 2018.

Of course, towards the end of their time as team-mates there was tension in the air and they had formed a bit of a rivalry, but following Ricciardo's exit, it became clear that the pair had a great deal of respect for one another.

Ricciardo, of course, eventually returned to the Red Bull family later in his career, first as Red Bull reserve and then as a full-time driver for Racing Bulls, and would go on to reveal that Verstappen was one of the only drivers to text him to show support during what was a tough final year in the sport.

F1 HEADLINES: 'Devastated' Hamilton seeks Ferrari answers as John Elkann steps in

Daniel Ricciardo on Max Verstappen greatness

Now, in an appearance on Cars and Culture with Jason Stein, Ricciardo has opened up on his time racing alongside the now four-time world champion.

"I look back on my time as team-mates with Max very fondly; it was a cool time," Ricciardo recalled.

"And yes, there were moments of intense rivalry and competition and all of it, but it made us push ourselves to another level. I loved that."

The Australian continued, arguing that Verstappen's achievements in F1 will see him go down as one of the greatest drivers ever.

"Of course, he has 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," Ricciardo added.

"Every year he has been with Red Bull, he’s won a race. For them to do it, with Ford Racing this year [Red Bull's first as a power unit manufacturer], to come out and win... I can’t even comprehend.

"I knew a bit about the project and what they were building, but I can’t comprehend everything that has gone into it. And for them to go and win in their first season together, there is no better guy to do it than Max."

Daniel Ricciardo reveals Max Verstappen message

After that victory, Ricciardo says that he reached out to congratulate Verstappen and a few others at Red Bull on their achievement. The Aussie says that those messages were well received.

"The whole thing has been awesome. I sent Max and quite a few others in the team that I still talk with a message after, to share my congrats and happiness," Ricciardo revealed.

"It was received well - there are a lot of good people in that team."

READ MORE: Martin Brundle responds to Hamilton vs Leclerc claim with blunt four-word verdict

READ MORE: Ted Kravitz raises alarm over absent Red Bull figure: 'This isn't usual'