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Max Verstappen is known for his attention and discipline on the race track and his blunt replies off it. The 25-year-old isn’t shy to speak what’s on his mind, regardless of who he’s talking to. In a similar scenario, the Dutchman once mercilessly trolled his then-Red Bull teammate, Daniel Ricciardo for his looks and hairstyle.

Daniel, who returned to Red Bull as their third driver for next year, once was Max Verstappen’s fierce rival and teammate. However, his move to Renault (now Alpine) and later McLaren has not gone according to the Honey Badger’s plan.

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However, the Aussie driver has not lost all his hopes and still smiles as bright as the sun despite going through a torrid period. It is the one thing that hasn’t changed with Ricciardo who took Verstappen’s criticism back in the day on a light note as well. Talking about Daniel’s hair, Verstappen was happy that his teammate improved from his “funny” look from last year.

“I would say this year you improved a lot in the looks with your hair from before. Before you looked a bit funny, to be honest. You were a bit like a joker,” said Max Verstappen.

The Dutch Lion further added, “I think you’ve changed in a positive way”. The Aussie driver acknowledged and said, “Yeah, I’ve grown up”. Verstappen concluded by stating, “You went from like a 7 to 10.”

Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo will be united again this season. However, he’ll be hoping to find a race seat for the future as time quickly runs out for the Honey Badger.

Former F1 champion believes Daniel Ricciardo will replace Sergio Perez to partner Max Verstappen next season

Max Verstappen and his Red Bull teammate suffered an ugly bust-up in the Brazilian GP. Verstappen, who had already secured the title refused to follow team orders and give his place to Checo, who was fighting for P2 in the championship. As a result, a war of words broke out between the two.

However, despite the Red Bull camp saying things are fine between the two drivers, 1996 world champion Damon Hill believes Ricciardo is in pole position to partner Verstappen next season.

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Damon Hill told Sky Sports F1, as reported by the Express, “It could be quite an interesting one if you think about the problems they have apparently had between Max and Sergio. Let’s say the toys go out of the pram and there is some sort of fall out there, Daniel Ricciardo could be in prime position.”

He further mentioned, “It is his home, and he does owe a lot to Red Bull so he will be very keen to be back in that fold. What is it about the prodigal son who returns? He could be in a good position coming back and having learned a lot in other places.”

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Sergio Perez won 2 races this year in Singapore and Monaco. However, his teammate won a record-breaking 15 races in the same car. Do you think Perez’s seat is in danger if he doesn’t perform? Furthermore, will Daniel Ricciardo replace the Mexican if things do go out of hand?

Written by

Tanmay Khanna

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Tanmay Khanna is a Formula 1 Author at EssentiallySports. He has always been an avid sports fan, with F1 and soccer being his two favorites. Due to his inherent love for sports and competition, he has been able to understand the world of F1 inside out.
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Edited by

Varunkumaar Chelladurai