Ricciardo unfazed by Verstappen media hype

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Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo isn't bothered by the media persistently shining a bright light on team mate Max Verstappen.

The sensational 19-year-old Grand Prix winner has justifiably attracted the full attention of the F1 media - and of Red Bull's PR department - since his graduation to F1 in 2015.

Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz, the man who foots the F1 bill, recently admitted that his dream is to see Verstappen become the sport's youngest world champion.

A wish to which Ricciardo responded with a phone call to Mateschitz, and facetiously asked for a raise.

"The next day after Dietrich said that I called him directly on the phone," said the Honey Badger.

"I said 'I've read your comments -- unless you pay me $10 million dollars, I'm leaving'."

The Red Bull press officer interjected immediately to clarify that the always-grinning Ricciardo was of course joking.

Mateschitz : 'Verstappen has nowhere to go!'

"Honestly, I don't really care what goes on in the media, and I don't take those kind of comments from my bosses personally at all," insists the Aussie.

"I know I have a good relationship with Red Bull and I've always been loyal to them as well.

"They're never unfair to me in any way and from their point of view, I understand why it's so much about Max. He's the youngest driver in history and as a brand it makes for pretty good headlines.

"In the end, I know this is also a business," added the 28-year-old.

And so Ricciardo says he is happy with his situation at Red Bull.

"I am proving that I'm a good driver and I don't feel that Verstappen eclipses me in any way even if he has a lot more coverage in the media," he said.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.