Former Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo recently reflected on his decision to leave Red Bull Racing in 2018, revisiting the ongoing discussions about how his career might have changed if he had stayed alongside Max Verstappen. Speaking ahead of the 2026 season opener in Australia, Ricciardo shared his thoughts on what could have been, connecting his reflections to the intense rivalry he once shared with Verstappen.
Ricciardo’s exit ended a fierce competition between two of the sport’s top talents. Since then, Verstappen has dominated the racing world by winning four world championships, solidifying his position at the pinnacle of Formula 1.
Assessing the Dynamics of Ricciardo’s Rivalry With Verstappen
When Ricciardo and Verstappen were teammates at Red Bull, they were both fierce competitors, regularly pushing each other on the track as Red Bull maintained its elite status in Formula 1. Ricciardo recalled his ability to match Verstappen’s speed during that time, stating,
“At the time, I was competitive with Max, and we were pushing each other really well.”
– Daniel Ricciardo
Despite this, Ricciardo openly recognized Verstappen’s extraordinary growth in the sport since their split. On the topic, he admitted,
“But I can’t deny that Max is… Max.”
– Daniel Ricciardo
Ricciardo also addressed the idea that he might have been avoiding the challenge of competing against Verstappen. He clarified,
“At the time, some of the narrative was all like, ‘Am I kind of running from the fight?’ I don’t think I was running from the fight. I was just concerned with how things were going to go moving forward,”
highlighting that his decision was shaped more by uncertainty about future team dynamics than by fear of the rivalry.
A Persistent Curiosity Over the Road Not Taken
While Ricciardo stopped short of calling his departure a regret, he explained that curiosity about how his rivalry with Verstappen might have evolved continues to linger. He shared,
“I’m curious how that would have turned out. I don’t know if I’d go as far as saying (that’s) a regret, but it remains a curiosity.”
His thoughts show an unresolved tension surrounding a defining moment in his career.
After losing his Red Bull seat in 2024, Ricciardo stepped away from active Formula 1 racing and now serves as a global ambassador for Ford Performance, marking a new chapter in his motorsport involvement. His exit from Red Bull remains a popular subject of debate among fans and analysts, embodying one of the sport’s most talked-about “what if” scenarios.
The Broader Impact of Ricciardo’s Career Move
The decision to leave Red Bull Racing at the end of 2018 shaped both Ricciardo’s trajectory and Verstappen’s rise to unmatched dominance in Formula 1. Ricciardo’s reflections highlight the difficult choices athletes face when balancing competition, team relations, and career progression. His ongoing curiosity about the rivalry with Verstappen underlines how critical moments can define the legacies of top drivers.
As the new Formula 1 season approaches, Ricciardo’s story adds an element of intrigue to discussions about driver rivalries and career decisions, reminding fans and commentators alike about the unpredictable nature of the sport’s competitive landscape.
