Daniel Ricciardo, who recently stepped away from the public eye after being replaced by Liam Lawson following the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, shared heartfelt praise for Max Verstappen during a recent appearance. Speaking at the Ray White Connect 2025 conference, Ricciardo expressed his pride in Verstappen’s rise to becoming a four-time Formula 1 World Champion, marking a significant highlight in the sport’s recent history. The Australian, who once raced alongside Verstappen at Red Bull Racing, reflected on their shared past and the dominant era Verstappen now leads.
A Journey Through Ricciardo’s Racing Career and Partnership with Verstappen
Daniel Ricciardo’s Formula 1 career began in 2011 through his involvement with the Red Bull Junior Programme, which enabled him to debut at HRT before moving to Toro Rosso in 2012. He earned his promotion to Red Bull Racing in 2014, where he impressed by winning three races and securing third in the championship during a period dominated by Mercedes. After serving Red Bull until 2018, Ricciardo moved on to Renault and later McLaren, completing two-year stints with each team.
Despite facing uncertainties in 2023 regarding his racing future, Ricciardo found a place back with AlphaTauri—formerly Toro Rosso and now Racing Bulls—replacing Nyck de Vries mid-season. This return highlighted his resilience and adaptability within competitive Formula 1 environments.
Max Verstappen joined Red Bull Racing in 2016, becoming Ricciardo’s teammate for two seasons before Ricciardo pursued new opportunities. Since then, Verstappen has cemented his position as a dominant force, capturing multiple championship titles and elevating the team’s profile in the sport.
Ricciardo’s Personal Insights on Life Beyond Racing
In his candid remarks at the Ray White Connect conference, Ricciardo discussed the changes in his life since stepping back from Formula 1 competition. Embracing a period of self-reflection, he shared how this year has brought a slower pace, allowing him to appreciate simple joys, time outdoors, and the company of family and friends.
He explained the significance of adjusting to this slower tempo:
“Well I haven’t been shaving my face,”
he joked, also adding,
“The beard is my comfort right now.”
He described spending time hiking, including a recent trip to Alaska, where he humorously noted,
“I was in Alaska a few weeks ago and didn’t get mauled by a grizzly which was a bonus.”
This phase helps him explore his identity beyond the race car driver persona.
Ricciardo also reflected on the personal growth that comes with stepping away from the intense demands of professional motorsport, stating,
“I’ve always been driven and that sometimes leads you to being selfish, so I’m trying to learn to be a bit more selfless and become a better listener.”
Accepting Career Highs and Missed Dreams with Grace
Despite his impressive career, Ricciardo openly shared his feelings about not reaching the ultimate goal of a World Championship title.
“I never thought I would have this career,”
he admitted.
“I never thought I’d be here, y’know? That’s the truth.”
He acknowledged the moments when he believed a championship could be within reach, but remained grounded about the outcome.
When asked whether winning the title would have changed how he views himself, Ricciardo responded frankly,
“If I were a World Champion sitting here today, would it change how I feel, or how I view myself, or anything like that? I don’t think so. Maybe my ego would be big. We don’t want that!”
He summed up his perspective with a clear statement of contentment: I have no regrets.
The Enduring Bond of Competition and Respect with Verstappen
Ricciardo’s appreciation for Verstappen goes beyond mere professional courtesy. Reflecting on their time together as teammates and competitors, he expressed pride in Verstappen’s extraordinary success:
“But four-time World Champion, like, I’m proud. I’m like, ‘Okay, that was cool. That’s a teammate I had, that was someone who I shared a lot of time and track with.’”
This acknowledgment signals a meaningful respect and affection despite their differing career paths.
This rare insight into Ricciardo’s thoughts reveals a sportsman who embraces both the highs and lows of his journey, recognizing Verstappen’s place in Formula 1 history while thoughtfully navigating his own evolving identity.
