Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo sometimes didn't have the best relationship during their time together at Red Bull Racing. While Verstappen presented himself as a great driver, the Australian stood somewhat in his shadow. It resulted in his departure to Renault.
Red Bull assumed for a long time in 2018 that Ricciardo wanted to renew, but that turned out not to be the case. Whereas Verstappen's team switched from Renault engines to those of Honda in that year, Ricciardo actually sought out the Renault team. The departure was inevitable afterwards, Ricciardo said in an interview with Square Mile.
However, both men have long since put the situation behind them and are focusing on the future. “I think it’s easier now for me and Max to be friends for two reasons. I think one is that obviously we’re not in direct competition – we’re not trying to basically end each other’s careers!” Ricciardo said with a wide grin on his face.
Respect from Verstappen
In addition, Ricciardo thinks Verstappen has respect for him. “The second point is that I think – I mean, of course, I won races with him as a teammate and got pole position so I think he always knew I was quick and respected me – but now, since I’ve left, the other drivers have come through and him having different teammates, I think it’s probably increased his respect for me even more. I mean we never hated each other, we just wanted to end each other’s careers! It’s as simple as that.”