Reflecting on their intense years together in the Red Bull Racing garage, Daniel Ricciardo has offered a glowing assessment of his former teammate, Max Verstappen, describing the four-time world champion as a generational talent.
The Australian shared the team's pit lane with the Dutchman between 2016 and 2018. Looking back at those high-pressure seasons, Ricciardo admitted that the fierce internal rivalry served as a crucial catalyst, pushing both drivers to elevate their performance to unprecedented heights.
Now operating in his capacity as a Ford ambassador, the 37-year-old was quick to praise Verstappen's stellar performances during the inaugural campaign of the Red Bull Ford powertrain project, which has seen the reigning champion secure crucial victories in recent races.
Speaking about his fond memories of sharing data and battling wheel-to-wheel, Ricciardo emphasized the deep mutual respect forged through relentless competition in the upper echelons of Formula 1.
"Very happy for all of them, and for Max. I look back on my time as teammates with Max very fondly," Ricciardo stated during a recent interview reflecting on his career.
"It was a cool time. And yes, there were moments of intense rivalry and competition, and all of it, but I think it just made us push ourselves to another level, and I loved that."
The Australian underscored Verstappen's relentless consistency since joining the Milton Keynes-based outfit, noting that the Dutchman's victory record across every single season cements his legendary status in the sport.
"He's gone on and done so much, and he's going to go down as one of the best ever. No doubt about it. He's an insane talent. I saw a stat, I think every year he's been with Red Bull, he's won," he continued.
Commenting on the technical transition and the debut season alongside Ford Racing, Ricciardo admitted astonishment at how quickly the partnership yielded race-winning results in the hyper-competitive F1 paddock.
"So every year for the last however many years he's won a race, and for them to do it, you know, with Ford Racing this year to come out and win is I can't even comprehend," Ricciardo added.
"I knew a bit about the project and what they were building, but I can't comprehend everything that's gone into it, and for them to go and win in their first season together is, I mean, there's no better guy to do it than Max."
Concluding his thoughts, Ricciardo revealed that he personally reached out to his former garage crew and the championship leader to share his genuine congratulations following their latest triumphs on track.
"So the whole thing's been awesome, and I sent Max and quite a few of the team that I speak with a message afterwards and shared my congrats and my happiness," he concluded.
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