Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were one of the most feared driver lineups in F1. The duo possessed excellent attacking skills and an even special friendship. However, Daniel left Red Bull in a decision that shocked the world and joined Renault (Now Alpine). Moreover, he also shared how his respect for Max grew after the two weren’t competing with each other.

The Honey Badger was perhaps the last driver to actually challenge Max Verstappen in Red Bull. Ever since his departure, the Milton-Keynes team has tried several other drivers to contest against the world champion.

Moreover, Daniel believes that the mutual respect between him and Verstappen has only improved since he left Red Bull. He also summarized his time with Verstappen in a brutal, yet truthful sentence.

Talking to square mile’s Ben Winstanley last year, Ricciardo said, “I won races with him as a teammate and got pole position so I think he always knew I was quick and respected me – but now, since I’ve left, the other drivers have come through and him having different teammates, I think it’s probably increased his respect for me even more.”

“I mean we never hated each other, we just wanted to end each other’s careers! It’s as simple as that.”

READ MORE: “I F*cked Up”: Max Verstappen Once Revealed Mortifying F1 Moment That Sent Red Bull Garage Into Havoc

Daniel’s career trajectory has not been like the one he’d have expected. The Aussie endured a torrid couple of years with McLaren before terminating his contract with the team earlier this year.

Max Verstappen believes Daniel Ricciardo should have stayed with Red Bull in 2018

Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo moved to Renault in 2018 to escape becoming the number 2 driver at Red Bull. However, ever since leaving the Austrian team, the Honey Badger has struggled to taste regular success. He now finds himself without a seat for next year on the F1 grid.

“It would have been better for Daniel if he had stayed longer at Red Bull at the time. I did talk to him about it. It’s also about feeling comfortable somewhere. That was no longer the case at one point,” Verstappen told Formule1.nl. [Translated from Google]

The Dutchman also mentioned, “Then you have to look at alternatives and make the trade-off between sporting success and feeling good somewhere.”

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Max Verstappen became the double world champion this year. We can only wonder if Ricciardo could’ve had a shot at the title had he stayed in Red Bull as well.

WATCH THIS STORY: Daniel Ricciardo makes parting promise to the F1 grid

Max Verstappen will look to defend his crown again next year as he looks to achieve his 3rd championship. Meanwhile, Daniel would hope he finds a seat to race in 2024. Will the Honey Badger succeed?