In the high stakes world of Formula 1, where rivalries often dominate headlines, It’s rare to find one driver openly praising another—especially a competitor who’s as dominant as Max Verstappen. But Daniel Ricciardo, known for his laid-back personality and candid charm, once revealed in a conversation with Ariel Helwani that he’s actually a fan of the Dutchman.
“Who are you most the fan of on the grid?” Helwani asked. Ricciardo paused, then said: “I mean for different reasons, I guess, Max. Because I think he is what he is.”
The podcast might be three years old, but the quote has resurfaced online—and it speaks columns. Coming from someone who once shared a garage with Verstappen at Red Bull racing, Ricciardo’s words carry more weight than a casual compliment.
He pointed to Verstappen’s no-nonsense approach to media duties as one of the things he respects. “If he doesn’t wanna talk to someone, in the media or whatever, he won’t,” Ricciardo said.
In fact, the Dutchman has been open about his dislike for the dramatized aspects of Drive to Survive, going so far as to opt out of some appearances. Ricciardo referenced this, saying, “I think some of the Netflix stuff now, with the new season… he has said no to a few of the things.”
That kind of self-assuredness struck a chord with Ricciardo. “He kind of just has his way and he just sticks by it, " the Australian explained. “You just get what you see. And I think a lot of people also admire that.”
Ricciardo also noted that while Verstappen might not come across as the most approachable or the outgoing figure, his authenticity is part of what makes him unique. “He might not be the most approachable or the funniest or whatever, but he is Max… and people know that’s what they’re gonna get.”
Having shared a garage with Verstappen during their Red Bull years, Ricciardo witnessed his teammate’s growth firsthand. “I’ve known him quite a long time as well, and I have also seen him mature and kind of grow,” he said.
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