In light of the announcement that Daniel Ricciardo lost his Formula 1 driving with RB in the middle of the season, Max Verstappen thinks the driver deserved to go down as a “great driver.”
It was rumored in the Singapore paddock during the weekend that Ricciardo had finished his final race, and RB had since named Liam Lawson to take his place.
With a contract that runs until the end of the season, the New Zealander now has the opportunity to establish himself as a full-time member of one of Red Bull’s two squads.
But after acknowledging that his recovery was predicated on a Red Bull return, eight-time Formula One race winner Ricciardo appears to have called it quits.
In the moments following the Singapore round, Verstappen, who was Ricciardo’s teammate for nearly three full seasons from 2016 to 2018, paid respect to him.
In addition, the Dutchman expressed his appreciation to Ricciardo for earning the fastest lap of the race and the one bonus point that would have gone to his championship challenger Lando Norris.
He said to Sky Sports F1, “I mean, of course, I have to thank him for the fastest lap!”
To be honest, he’s a fantastic man. Our connection has always been wonderful. In addition to being a fantastic driver, he will be remembered for his rivalry in sports with the team.
“I believe he has a wonderful character, and it’s rare that someone despises him,”
I believe that once I leave in a few years, we’ll take a seat back, reflect on the years we spent together, and share a beer.