Ricciardo calls Verstappen 'one of the best ever'

Daniel Ricciardo has praised his former Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen, describing the four-time Formula 1 world champion as one of the best ever. The Australian shared the Red Bull garage with Verstappen between 2016 and 2018, before the Dutchman went on to win four consecutive drivers' championships from 2021 to 2024.

Reflecting on their time together, Ricciardo said the moments of intense rivalry and competition pushed both drivers to another level. He also praised Verstappen's achievements in the first season of the Red Bull Ford powertrain partnership, in which the Dutchman secured three victories across the last five Grands Prix.

Ricciardo, now a Ford ambassador, said he could not comprehend what the team had achieved in their first season together, adding that there was no better driver to deliver it than Verstappen. He said he had sent Verstappen and members of the team a message to share his congratulations.