Verstappen opens up on friendship with Ricciardo

Max Verstappen has praised his former team mate and racing friend Daniel Ricciardo, whose future at RB appears doubtful following the emotional conclusion of his drive at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Since Red Bull junior Liam Lawson took the Australian’s place when he was briefly out with an injury in 2023, speculation has been rife that the youngster would eventually sign for RB, but that has continued to ramp up as this season has gone on.

Ricciardo has more often than not been outperformed by his team mate Yuki Tsunoda in 2024, who currently holds 22 points in the standings compared to the 35-year-old’s 12. Whilst his abilities have sometimes exceeded the car’s performance, Ricciardo’s latest stint in F1 doesn't appear to have brought him the return to Red Bull that he desired.

He recently confirmed that his contract would be reviewed before the paddock lands in Austin, but he was especially emotional post race in Singapore as he conceded he didn't know if that would be his last outing in Formula 1.

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - SEPTEMBER 22: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia and Visa Cash App RB on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Singapore at Marina Bay Street Circuit on September 22, 2024 in Singapore, Singapore. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images) — Ricciardo finished 18th in Singapore after securing the fastest lap of the race

Verstappen and Ricciardo joined forces as Red Bull team mates from 2016 to 2018, and are both products of the Red Bull Junior Team. Despite some tense moments as team mates, such as their crash in Baku in 2018, they have remained close friends during their time on the grid.

With speculation over Ricciardo's immediate future continuing to swirl, the current world champion was asked about their relationship, saying their friendship "just clicks".

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Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Verstappen said: “Daniel and I of course go a long way back. We have always had a great relationship, great friendship, a lot of respect for each other as well, so he’s just a great guy.

“[We] get on well, it just clicks. There is no fake person, we just get along and are easygoing, we are like that. He will for sure be remembered as a very fast driver, I think everyone knows that, but also as a great guy in the paddock.”

The duo have known each other for several years

The Australian has conceded that he is prepared for the eventuality that the 62 laps around the Marina Bay Street Circuit formed his last Grand Prix after competing in F1 intermittently for 13 years.

He also may yet have had a say in this year's drivers' title race as well having pitted for soft tyres late on to set the fastest lap, taking the bonus point on offer away from race winner Lando Norris. The move means that, even if the McLaren driver wins every race and Verstappen finishes behind him, the Dutchman will still win the drivers’ championship.

Questioned after the race on the decision made by Red Bull’s sister team to box Ricciardo, Verstappen commented: “At the end, everyone has the opportunity to go for the fastest lap. It’s nice, of course, that that fastest lap is then in someone else’s hands.”