Daniel Ricciardo, former Formula 1 driver and ex-teammate of Max Verstappen, has openly expressed pride in the Dutch driver’s remarkable achievement of winning four World Championships. The two shared three intense seasons at Red Bull Racing from 2016 to 2018, where a fierce internal rivalry grew between them. Ricciardo departed Red Bull in 2019 to join Renault, while Verstappen’s career continued to ascend, solidifying his status among F1’s greatest.
Ricciardo reflected on his former teammate’s success during Ray White’s Connect Conference, saying:
“I’ve seen Max become world champion four times, four times! You could almost lose count. It’s so many now. I feel proud, which is great, because he was a team-mate of mine. He’s someone I shared a lot of track time with, and he achieved that.”
Memories of Ricciardo’s Own Racing Highlights
Looking back on his own career, Ricciardo recalled some of the defining moments that bring him pride. Among them, his famous victory at Monaco stands out as an unforgettable highlight. Reflecting on his journey, he shared:
“Sometimes I think about things like winning in Monaco, and I think, ‘Did that really happen?’”
and added,
“I’ve always loved racing, but I never imagined I’d have the career I’ve had, or that I’d make it to F1.”
Though Ricciardo’s post-Red Bull career included stints at McLaren and Red Bull’s junior team, he never quite matched his previous form and lost his seat before 2024 concluded. Speculation about his future surfaced, including links to the 2026 newcomers Cadillac, but Ricciardo has since accepted that his F1 days are behind him.
Life Beyond Formula 1 and Future Plans
Since stepping away from the heightened pressures of racing, Ricciardo has shifted his focus toward his clothing brand, Enchante, while also embracing travel and new experiences outside the sport. This transition reflects a calm, thoughtful approach to life after his racing career, marked by a sincere sense of accomplishment and hope for what lies ahead.
