Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo have been the favorite pairing on the grid for a while now. The former Red Bull duo has had some of the most memorable moments both on and off the grid. From karting around the Red Bull HQ to their famous bird calls; a relationship with highs and lows, the good certainly prevailed.
Best friends to this date, Daniel’s wit perfectly complimented Max’s, giving us one of the best bromances on the grid. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to reminisce about the hilarious partnership that took over F1.
Red Bull PR videos ft. Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Red Bull’s PR videos for the duo have been unmatched. The Durian Food challenge, laps around the tracks, and many more; the videos not only highlighted the drivers’ individual personalities but also their friendship. It birthed the famous “Gee Gee Ay Ay” sounds the two often make to call each other.
The Maxiel saga owes its credits to these videos they made together. Daniel and Max visibly grew closer over the course of these videos, and it eventually became something fans looked forward to.
Red Bull On the Sofa moments
Adding to the Red Bull PR campaign is its branch- On the Sofa. These videos usually entailed Daniel and Max reviewing the race and adding their comments to it. As expected, the videos were hilarious, barring one: the final one. The video had its funny moments, but the bromance really shone through. Max was visibly upset at Daniel’s leave for Renault, while Daniel made jokes to make up for it.
Max Verstappen revealed why he’ll miss Ricciardo on the team. “During meetings, that area can be quiet and a bit too serious… It can be a bit too serious and boring but of course, with you there, it’s never really boring or too serious. So, I’ll probably miss that. “
The F1 secret Santa
Daniel’s departure from the team did not hinder the bromance. F1’s Christmas festivities included a Secret Santa event for the 20 drivers. In 2019, when Daniel was in Renault, he received a karaoke machine. The expensive gift came in three parts, including a microphone, a CD and the machine itself. Daniel guessed, “Maybe Max? Because he knows me?”
Read More: Who Is Lando Norris’ Race Engineer William Joseph?
And he was right. Max clearly put a lot of thought and effort into the gift, and the fans were more than happy to add this to the long list of things that keep Maxiel alive.
Infamous interview interruptions
The two drivers are well-known to feature in each other’s interviews, uninvited. Sometimes it’s Max grabbing Daniel, others it’s Daniel stopping to compliment Max. Much to the dismay of their interviewers, neither driver can control themselves around the other.
This was a recurring incident after Daniel left Red Bull and even goes on to this day.
Ricciardo worried for Max Verstappen at Silverstone
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
More recently, Daniel was worried for Max after his crash at Silverstone. Unaware of what was happening behind the scenes, Daniel ignored his post-race interview to ask about Verstappen first. Visibly concerned, the Aussie was distraught at the incident involving his former teammate.
Daniel asking about Max in his interview after the race. 🥺🤍 pic.twitter.com/ynB0rVM2ck
— Dianachuk (@dianaaraujo50_) July 18, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Max Verstappen disclosed the two spend time together presently as well. “We often travel to the circuits together and share a plane, for example. Then we don’t only talk about Formula 1. We can also talk about other things. In the end, Formula 1 is part of your life, but it is not everything.” The Maxiel fans are surely happy to hear that.
Watch this story: Love Is in the Paddock: F1 Fraternity Rings in Valentine’s Day