Ricciardo: Competition with Max spurs Red Bull forward

Daniel Ricciardo says Max Verstappen’s promotion to Red Bull has pushed both drivers to raise their game, ultimately helping their team cut the deficit to Ferrari in the Constructors’ championship.

The Dutchman moved up from Toro Rosso ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix and has gone on to amass 77 points across the next six events, including one win and another two podium finishes. This is the second-best tally behind Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in that span.

“Max has come in and come in very, very strong, so ideally we both keep raising the bar for each other, and I think that is what we have done,” Ricciardo said at the Hungaroring. “We are closing the gap in the constructors’ championship, to second, which is nice. So if we keep doing this we will be quite good.”

The Australian had a strong start to his 2016 campaign and came close to winning in Barcelona and Monaco, but he has been outshone by his younger team-mate across recent races.

While Ricciardo has out-qualified Verstappen 5-1 since they have been partnered at Red Bull, the 18-year-old has scored 13 points more over the same period.

“It is not a concern,” Ricciardo replied when asked whether he was worried by the trend. “I am aware that he has done very well, and he has had the win and the podiums, but I look and say…I don’t like looking back…but sure I could have had at least one win.

“But yes he has been competitive, and hasn’t just been that I have had all the back luck and he has had all the good luck. Obviously he has been quick, and he has put himself there, so I won’t ever make excuses.

“If he had beaten me fair and square then I am not going to say oh it is because he did this or that. Generally he has been quick, and unfortunately he has scored more than me, but I have a few races now to close it up.”

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