Daniel Ricciardo believes the presence of Max Verstappen at Red Bull has produced an ultra-competitive environment which is helping the team and its drivers move forward.
Verstappen replaced Daniil Kvyat on the eve of the Spanish Grand Prix in May and promptly went on to win his maiden race for the Milton Keynes outfit in Barcelona.
Ricciardo then reasserted his authority in Monaco however, dominating his young team mate and the field all weekend, although a pit-lane mix-up would ultimately cost the Australian victory in the Principality.
Red Bull's ultra-competitive driver pairing is undoubtedly boosting the team and its drivers' prospects according to Ricciardo.
"With Max now it's been really cool," the smiling Aussie told Autosport.
"We are pushing each other and the team sees that and they are excited about the line-up we have.
We are all super-competitive but it's pushing the team in a good direction, and a strong direction."
"In my mind it's pushing us towards a championship car in 2017 and I hope that's what we can get for the next step. The chassis, we can lean on it and you can feel it work and that's good. Y
You get that confidence back in the car; you get the confidence like in Monaco to show it."
Following a 2014 season which brought Ricciardo three race wins and asserted his status as a potential world champion, last year's campaign resulted in a massive disappointment as Red Bull and engine partner Renault came to blows over the dismal performance of the French manufacturer's power unit.
In hindsight however, Ricciardo believes the botched season only made him stronger.
"I feel that each year in the sport, I'm learning more but I'm also wanting more out of it. This is good for my hunger.
"It can lead to some frustrations when things don't go well but I don't feel it's affecting me in the car.
"If anything, it's extracting more out of me."
Scene at the Grand Prix of Europe
Grand Prix of Europe - Driver ratings
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