Verstappen and Ricciardo "wanted to end each other's careers"

Daniel Ricciardo believes he now has the respect of Max Verstappen after revealing how they "just wanted to end each other's careers" whilst at Red Bull.

Ricciardo and Verstappen developed an intense rivalry during their time at Red Bull following the latter's promotion from Toro Rosso in early 2017.

When Ricciardo left Red Bull for Renault at the end of 2019, he had reached a point where he felt the team was siding with Verstappen.

Over two years later, the Australian now claims they have developed a friendship and understanding that was not possible while team-mates.

“I think it’s easier now for me and Max to be friends for two reasons," said Ricciardo, in an interview with 'square mile'.

"I think one is that obviously, we’re not in direct competition – we’re not trying to basically end each other’s careers.

“The second point is that I think – I mean, of course, I won races with him as a team-mate and got pole position so I think he always knew I was quick and respected me.

"But now, since I’ve left, the other drivers have come through and him having different team-mates, I think it’s probably increased his respect for me even more.

"I mean we never hated each other, we just wanted to end each other’s careers. It’s as simple as that.”

Ricciardo has conceded to the fact he "loved growing up in the Red Bull system", and has identified certain traits within current team McLaren and between team principal Andreas Seidl and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko that will aid him further.

"I loved having Helmut Marko breathing down my neck all the time, and making sure that I was getting the most out of the car and myself," added Ricciardo. "I definitely matured a lot through that programme,

“I think having some tough love was certainly good for me and, yes, we’ll see but I know Andreas Seidl at McLaren, I think he’ll be that guy to give me the tough love.

"I think you need that. They’ll hug us when they need to hug us and then tell us to smarten up when we need to. You need that little bit of authority, I don’t mind that.”

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