Tsunoda picks one word that says it all about Daniel Ricciardo

Appearing on the Talking Bull podcast, the Japanese driver initially described his former AlphaTauri/RB teammate Daniel Ricciardo with the word “teacher,” later changing it to “mentor” on suggestion.

Ricciardo and Tsunoda shared the same garage for part of the 2023 season, the year of the Australian’s return to Formula 1, and throughout 2024 up until the Singapore GP, when the Perth native was removed and replaced by Liam Lawson.

Tsunoda was also asked to define his relationship with other teammates he has raced alongside, using just one word. For Max Verstappen, he chose “gin tonic,” recalling how the Dutchman introduced him to the cocktail and sparked his love for the drink.

Although he officially announced that he had hung up his helmet—at least as far as his Formula 1 career is concerned—Daniel Ricciardo revealed a few weeks ago that he has embarked on a new adventure, becoming an ambassador for Ford, which will return to the premier class in 2026 to partner with Red Bull in its ambitious Powertrains project.

"I am going to be working closely with the Ford Racing team and specifically focus on the amazing Raptor brand and lifestyle that Raptor has become for many of Ford's customers," Ricciardo shared via his social media channels.

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