Home
Daniel Ricciardo reflected on Max Verstappen becoming a four-time world champion. Though the Red Bull driver won his fourth title at the end of last year, Ricciardo mentioned about it recently in an interview and said that he was proud of his former teammate.
Daniel Ricciardo opens up on his relationship with Max Verstappen
Ricciardo and Verstappen were teammates at Red Bull for three seasons, from 2016 to 2018. At that point of time, Ricciardo was an established name in Red Bull, and he was joined by Verstappen, who replaced Daniil Kvyat in the middle of the season.
The duo faced fierce competition, as they raced each other for nearly three seasons. At the end of 2018, Daniel Ricciardo parted his way with Red Bull and Joined Renault. On the other hand, Max Verstappen stayed with the side, and won four back-to-back titles from 2021 to 2024.
Recently, Ricciardo spoke about his relationship with Max Verstappen and said how proud he was that his former teammate is now a four-time world champion. speaking about this, here's what he said at the connect event 2025:
"Now seeing Max go on to be a four-time world champion. Four-time? I lose count he has won that many now. He's four-time world champion, I'm proud.”
With Renault, Daniel Ricciardo for two years and then moved to McLaren in 2021. In the season of 2023, Ricciardo was replaced by Oscar Piastri, while the former returned to Red Bull as a reserve racer.
As of August 2025, Ricciardo is out of Formula 1 and there is no report that backs his return to the sport.
Currently, Max Verstappen is fighting for his fifth straight title. However the defending champion is unlikely to retain his title as his chances look bleak in front of McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Piastri is leading the championship with 284 points, nine points ahead of his fellow teammate, Norris (275 points.) Verstappen is in P3 with 187 points.
ADVERTISEMENT
