Relationship with Ricciardo could fall apart - Verstappen

All is good at Red Bull Racing between Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo but if the two end up locked in a title bid, it could all quickly fall apart says the Dutch teen prodigy.

Both drivers have displayed a good nature and even a complicit relationship since they started sharing the Red Bull garage at last year's Spanish Grand Prix. But that could change in short order if the team doesn't keep the pair in check.

"I'm not naive," Verstappen told Dutch paper De Telegraaf. "Everything will be more intense and tensions will rise.

"But it is up the team to make the process run smoothly so that everyone does not stop working together to improve the car, or withholds information. But I don't see that happening any time soon."

Ocon knows just how to deal with Max Verstappen

Verstappen insisted the good working relationship was a benefit for Red Bull, and the rivalry was actually more tense at Toro Rosso when the Dutchman was pitted against Carlos Sainz.

"When you see Daniel, he is always smiling and making everyone laugh. I can do the same, I think. For a team, it is very important to have two drivers like that who are open and sharing all the information.

"I think you can clearly see that it was less good with Carlos (Sainz), but the situation was completely different. At Toro Rosso, Carlos and I both knew there was only one seat available at Red Bull, because Daniel was always performing well."

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.