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Christian Horner feels ‘young pup’ Max Verstappen learned a lot from Daniel Ricciardo during intial Red Bull days

Max Verstappen the reigning world champion, has been competing in F1 since 2015. Today, he is regarded as one of the best to ever step into the sport. While the 2024 season is currently at a halt, Red Bull boss Christian Horner has shed light on Daniel Riccardo‘s influence on Verstappen.

Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen spent close to three years together at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018. When the latter initially came in, Ricciardo was the senior driver who immensely helped the Dutchman in getting used to the demands of F1.

During that time, they were considered as one of the best driver pairings in the sport.

I think actually Max learned a huge amount from him. When Max came into the team, Max was very much the youngster, the young pup. He was a great influence on Max in that not take life too seriously and enjoy the moment.

Christian Horner via F1 Nation podcast

Ricciardo made his exit from F1 after the recent Singapore Grand Prix. He had hopes of driving for Red Bull again alongside Verstappen, but all that came tumbling down after the Marina Bay event. Interestingly, the Australian snatched away the fastest lap point from Lando Norris to help Verstappen in his driver’s championship bid.

Christian Horner hopes for Daniel Ricciardo to ‘stay around’ in F1

Daniel Ricciardo has been a crowd favorite from the moment he stepped into the sport. His recent exit has been tough on several of his fans and amidst this, Christian Horner has asserted that he hopes Ricciardo will somehow stay around in F1.

Christian Horner and Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)
Christian Horner and Daniel Ricciardo (via IMAGO)

Horner was one of the main reasons why the 35-year-old was allowed to drive for RB until the Singapore GP.

Daniel is just a brilliant character, a brilliant human being. He lights up a room when he walks into it, he’s got that infectious smile. I hope he stays around the sport. We’ve made it very clear that we want him to remain in an ambassadorial capacity with the team.

Christian Horner via the same podcast

Daniel Ricciardo is an eight-time Grand Prix winner at the pinnacle of motor racing! His career trajectory has been on a downward spiral for quite a few years and his recent sacking, could prove to be the final nail in the coffin as far as racing in F1 is concerned.

However, keeping in view the unpredictable and chaotic nature of the sport, anything is possible. If Liam Lawson also fails to perform at RB in the upcoming six races, Ricciardo could very well be back in the Red Bull picture for 2025.