Daniel Ricciardo Reveals His True ‘Best Friend’ in F1 Amidst the Likes of Lando Norris & Max Verstappen

Does Daniel Ricciardo have a best friend on the grid? Fans widely regard the ‘Honey Badger’ as easily the most fun-loving and friendly driver in F1. Then, over the years, he has also developed some remarkable bonds with many of his colleagues. Irrespective of team changes or anything else, fans still adore the driver’s past and present friendships.

Everyone knows that with Ricciardo on the screen, things are going to be fun. Several team YouTube videos, Instagram reels, and fan accounts are enriched with the driver creating chaos with his teammates. Though motorsport is serious with ever-rising rivalries, Ricciardo has managed to have fun, and find friendship, and respect with his teammates.

When recently asked about his best friend on the grid, the 33-year-old revealed, “Oh, it’s it’s tough…is like a best friend…as much as I give him a hard time Pierre Gaslyyyy, he’s actually a good kid.”

“I really like Pierre. I think obviously even like Lando getting to know him better now in like the second year, I think we’ve actually had quite a few laughs. Max as well, you know, all that competition aside, I think we really grew like a strong respect for each other…” 

Clearly, the Australian has a lot of respect for his teammates, despite competing aggressively with many of them. Safe to say, the above-mentioned drivers certainly enjoy Ricciardo’s company.

Daniel Ricciardo in the middle of friendship and competition

The 8 time Grand Prix winner’s season has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride till now. There have been several ups and downs doubled with constant comparisons with Norris and potential replacement threats. So much so that Ricciardo had to release a statement clarifying his desire to stay at McLaren next year.

Read More: Max Verstappen Equals 4-Time Red Bull F1 Champion Sebastian Vettel in Astonishing Feat

Though the Aussie seems to be good friends with Norris, friction arises time and again on team radios. The two seemingly know how to get back at each other and hate to stay behind one another. However, undoubtedly, Norris has performed consistently better than the Perth-based driver.

What do you think? How does Ricciardo manage his relationships under so much stress? Can he perform better in the second half of the season?

Watch This Story: Spectacular F1 Helmet Designs at 2022 Miami GP Ft. Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris