The beginning of the 2018 season marked a challenging phase for Max Verstappen, as his teammate Daniel Ricciardo showcased a near-perfect performance in the initial rounds of the championship. Ricciardo’s skill and consistency left Verstappen questioning his own abilities. The turning point arrived after the Monaco Grand Prix, where Verstappen decided to metaphorically hit the ‘reset’ button on his mindset.

Verstappen was a prodigious talent who burst onto the scene in 2015 as the youngest driver to make his F1 debut. The year 2016 saw him etch his name in the record books again, becoming the youngest Grand Prix winner at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. However, within this meteoric rise, there were moments of doubt and introspection that shaped the young driver’s journey, one of which came during the early stages of the 2018 season.

In the words of Verstappen, “I’ve never asked myself the question of whether I was as good as I thought I was, but there are some unfortunate moments when maybe you force yourself a little more.” Verstappen vividly recalls that moment of clarity when he chose to discard the doubts and recalibrate his approach. He shared, “I remember well when I hit the ‘reset’ button after the Monaco Grand Prix. I figured it was time to ‘throw it all away’ and start over.” This bold decision to shed the self-doubt and rekindle his inner fire paid dividends almost immediately. In the subsequent race in Canada, Verstappen’s performance saw a noticeable upswing, signaling the resurgence of his competitive spirit.

Amid challenges, Verstappen’s self-reflection wasn’t smooth sailing. He’s honest about getting riled up by questions about his riding style, sometimes responding impulsively. Handling media pressure, he learned to manage his mindset. The Verstappen-Ricciardo rivalry peaked in 2018, with Ricciardo winning in China and Monaco. But when Ricciardo left Red Bull, Verstappen stepped up, winning in Austria and Mexico. He finished fourth in the championship, comfortably ahead of Ricciardo by 79 points.

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Ricciardo’s departure and Verstappen’s growth shaped their paths. Ricciardo left due to concerns about Renault and Red Bull‘s switch to Honda power units. Looking back, 2018 showcased Verstappen’s resilience. Despite inner and outer struggles, he embraced the role of a fierce competitor. Pressing the ‘reset’ button after Monaco unleashed his determination, establishing him as a dominant force in Formula 1.

Daniel Ricciardo’s age is no barrier for Red Bull, says Christian Horner

Christian Horner, Red Bull’s Team Principal, is resolute in his belief that Daniel Ricciardo could make a return to Red Bull’s driver lineup in 2025, dismissing concerns about the driver’s age, which would be 36 at the time. Ricciardo’s comeback to Red Bull this season, after his McLaren contract ended early due to strong performances, brought him in as a reserve driver, presenting fresh opportunities.

Following Nyck de Vries’ departure from AlphaTauri due to poor performance, Ricciardo stepped in for the remainder of the season, showcasing his adaptability and skill. While a permanent Red Bull seat for Ricciardo might seem unlikely, Horner asserts that his age won’t hinder his chances. Horner’s confidence is evident in his statement to Speedcafe: “I don’t see age as a barrier.”

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Ricciardo’s history includes partnering with Max Verstappen at Red Bull before moving to Renault. Sergio Perez then took the reins, showing impressive form since joining in 2021, securing wins and a strong championship standing. Horner mentioned that if Perez continues to excel, he’ll stay. However, if not, there’s a pool of talented drivers eager to drive for Red Bull beyond just AlphaTauri’s lineup.

Watch This Story | Daniel Ricciardo faces Red Bull prodigy threat in F1 return