Relationship with Max Went Better Than I Thought – Ricciardo

Outgoing Red Bulll driver, Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that he didn’t expect to enjoy an amiable relationship with Max Verstappen. The Dutchman was drafted into the Red Bull squad in the middle of the 2016 season. The duo were constantly locked in an on-track battle. Surprisingly, they have retained a close rapport inspite of the rivalry.

But like all relationships, it did not last as a collision between the two in Baku 2018 may have driven a wedge. However, it seems that the incident did little to sour their partnership as they accepted equal responsibility for the incident.

Now, after a fairly disappointing season with the Austrian outfit, Ricciardo will depart for Renault next year. The vacant Red Bull seat will be filled by French driver Pierre Gasly.

Recently, Ricciardo spoke about how his rapport with Verstappen and how it will be affected, now that they are no longer teammates. The Australian stated that he would remain friends with the Dutchman. However, he cheekily added: “Unless we’re battling for the same bit of Tarmac. That could always spice it up!

“I’d say the relationship with Max and myself went better than, I’ll be honest, I thought it would go. Just our personalities and our self-belief.

“I really believe he thinks he’s the best in the world and I believe I am. So, that can obviously clash.

“But we always managed at least 99 per cent of the time managed to keep that in its own little place.

“It was cool, it was a good, hard fight with him and I enjoyed it.”

Now, Ricciardo will be partnered by German driver Nico Hulkenberg. The 29-year old will be taking over the seat vacated by Carlos Sainz, who leaves for McLaren. Ricciardo has admitted that he was looking for greener pastures and a fresher atmosphere.