As Daniel Ricciardo awaits a decision on his future in Formula 1, Max Verstappen has offered words of support and encouragement to his former Red Bull teammate, but has urged the Aussie not to feel sorry for himself.
Ricciardo’s future with Visa Cash App RB is a cloud of uncertainty, with rumors claiming the 35-year-old F1 veteran will be replaced next season, or perhaps even earlier, by Red Bull reserve Liam Lawson.
Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko recently disclosed that the identity of Yuki Tsunoda’s teammate at RB in 2025 will be revealed during F1’s upcoming October break.
But pundits believe that Ricciardo’s days in Formula 1 are likely numbered.
When asked about the Aussie’s situation, Verstappen offered a thoughtful and somewhat reflective response that seemed almost like a farewell to his former teammate and friend.
"Daniel is a great guy. I think he has proven himself as a great Formula 1 driver. He's a friend of mine, and being in this kind of position is never nice.
"But on the other end, I don't think he has to feel sorry for himself,” commented the Dutchman.
Verstappen acknowledged that Ricciardo’s career hasn’t always gone as planned but emphasized that the Australian has much to be proud of.
"Sometimes things maybe don't work out the way you want them in certain stages of your career, but you still have achieved a lot more than anyone could ever dream of in their lives.
"So even if this is, let's say, the last race or whatever, you can still look back at something amazing that not many people can achieve and do something else.”
With a hint of optimism, Verstappen also encouraged Ricciardo to explore other opportunities beyond Formula 1, whether it be in other racing series or a different path altogether.
"I mean, why not? [There are ] many more race series or not. Maybe just chill back at the farm. Have a lot of fun.
"He's a great guy. So for me, it doesn't really matter or not if you deserve to be here. A lot of people deserve to be here. Some don't deserve to be here.
“That's life in all kinds of sports. It's how it goes."
Verstappen acknowledged the complexities and pressures faced by drivers navigating the competitive world of Formula 1, particularly in the midfield where consistency is hard to achieve.
“It’s, again, very difficult to comment on these things because you cannot look within the team as well, right?” he replied when asked about Ricciardo’s form in 2024.
“I mean, OK, from the outside, maybe people always expect more or wish for more. It’s just very tough in the midfield, I would say, to have a great run of form also.
“Yeah, I don’t know, it’s just, I guess everyone hopes for more. I think also himself, right?
“You always want to be better, naturally. Every year you want to become a better driver and sometimes that works a bit better than other years.”
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