On top of the world and Formula 1, there is no denying Max Verstappen’s quality behind a car. However, do you know where did all these qualities come from? There is the obvious natural-born talent and the fact that both his mother and father are former racers also helps. Unsurprisingly, there is a sizeable chunk of influence from his ex-teammate Daniel Ricciardo too.

After joining Red Bull from Toro Rosso, Verstappen was partnered with Ricciardo. This is when Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, reckons his son learned the most while driving. The two were partners in crime from 2016 until 2018. Ricciardo left for Renault for the 2019 season, but his influence during their time together at Red Bull on his young compatriot was significant.

“[I] find it very difficult to say. I do think maybe he learnt the most from Daniel Ricciardo, a nice peer he got on very well with. Max was a young guy then and Ricciardo really good, a qualifying beast,” revealed Jos Verstappen to Formula 1 magazine as reported by Fox Sports.

Jos Verstappen then discussed Ricciardo’s struggles with McLaren as well. “I also think the car suited him well then (at Red Bull) and that’s a bit Ricciardo’s problem now. The car doesn’t suit him so well. There are things that don’t suit Ricciardo so well and that’s why it’s not coming out,” he added.

Read More: After Four Years Of Misery, Daniel Ricciardo Finally Says: “It’s Made Me Very Happy”

Jos Verstappen might’ve liked to have more influence on Max. However, it was the Honey Badger that shaped young Max’s initial years in the sport.

Much to everyone’s surprise and pleasure, the two are back together now!

Daniel Ricciardo is back at Red Bull and eyeing a return for 2024. Can it happen?

Ricciardo is taking a sabbatical from regular racing and aiming to return to the grid in 2024. A reserve driver role at Red Bull made sense to the Australian. However, that does not mean he will have the Red Bull seat in 2024.

Red Bull’s boss, Christian Horner, put an end to these rumors during an interview. He said, “Daniel’s contract is very specific for a specific reason, and we have a contract with Checo for the next two years.”

“What the partnership of Max and Checo has produced has been phenomenal for us,” he added, to shut out such claims.

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Getting his hands on the Red Bull seat full-time will be difficult. However, do you see Ricciardo racing in 2023 in a few races? A performance in even one race can open new doors for the Australian.