Daniel Ricciardo once admitted to being Max Verstappen’s ‘bad influence older brother’

Despite their rivalry on the Red Bull track, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen developed a great camaraderie due to their similar sense of humor and their team’s countless off-track activities. They both loved to party and often got into mischief during their three seasons together as teammates.

Ricciardo reflected on the same thing in an episode of red flags podcast last year. The hosts asked him if he was Verstappen’s “older brother-like figure” and if he was a “bad influence on him”, considering how indifferent and fun-loving the Dutchman had become over the years. Ricciardo agreed.

“I feel like all the Red Bull stuff we did together was like caravan racing or doing stuff like that. We were always encouraging each other and I knew that if I pushed him to do something, he would do it.” he aggregate.

Ricciardo also highlighted how the duo often clashed on the track, making them look like bitter rivals. While that was true to a certain extent, Ricciardo revealed that it was simply an inherent trait of his former teammate to be fierce with his approach to the race, regardless of which driver he collided with, something he maintains even today.

However, the Perth-born driver knew that Verstappen was so “normal” like any other young driver off the track. In 2017-18. Ricciardo was Red Bull’s senior driver, while Verstappen was just getting the ropes at the top of motorsport. In 2025, Verstappen is now a four-time world champion and will partner a youngster like Liam Lawson.

The 27-year-old may have to rehearse the role that Ricciardo played for him, as Lawson will be the raw young talent, looking to hone his skills while also trying to beat the giant he has become. F1.

The dynamics of Verstappen and Lawson

There is a lot to talk about Lawson’s role at Red Bull, especially as Verstappen has a reputation for dominating his teammates convincingly. The New Zealand driver may have to play second fiddle and score a solid haul of points just behind his world champion teammate.

However, Lawson seems ready to exceed expectations. While it’s a tough challenge, the 22-year-old seems as brave as Verstappen when he joined Red Bull in 2016. If that’s the case, Verstappen would likely accept Lawson’s challenge, without it affecting their relationship off the track. .

Lawson has been Red Bull’s reserve since 2022, so he has established strong working relationships with everyone at Milton Keynes, including Verstappen. They won’t need an icebreaker as Lawson is already well integrated into the Red Bull family.

There is also the possibility that Verstappen will get a new partner and friend, much like Ricciardo, with whom to enjoy moments off the track.