Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo’s rivalry began intensifying during the 2016 Formula 1 season when Verstappen was promoted to Red Bull Racing, joining Ricciardo as his teammate. Their initial friendly partnership soon saw its first signs of tension, especially at the Malaysian Grand Prix, where unexpected events left the two teammates battling for the lead for the first time.
A crash between Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg and an engine failure from Lewis Hamilton cleared the way for Verstappen and Ricciardo to fight fiercely at the front. From lap 41, Ricciardo led the race but was persistently pressured by the young Verstappen, who aggressively chased him down. The two went side by side multiple times, demonstrating intense competition mixed with mutual respect. Ricciardo eventually emerged on top, but the duel left a clear message: Verstappen was a serious contender and not easily pushed aside.
Crisis at the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix:
First On-Track Collision and Heated Responses
Tensions reached a boiling point at the 2017 Hungarian Grand Prix, marking their first high-profile crash as teammates. After Verstappen ran over a curb at Turn 1, Ricciardo nearly overtook him going into Turn 2. However, Verstappen locked up his brakes, lost control, and collided with Ricciardo, forcing the Australian racer to retire immediately.
Ricciardo’s frustration was clear as he publicly labeled Verstappen a “f***ing sore loser” following the incident. Verstappen received a 10-second penalty and later issued a public apology on social media. Despite the apology, Ricciardo also described Verstappen’s mistake as “amateur,” reflecting the strain the crash had placed on their relationship. Though the driver’s comments stoked tension, the teenager’s acknowledgment of fault helped to partially ease hostilities in the short term.
The 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix Incident That Tested Team Harmony
The rivalry reached its most damaging moment during the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, often seen as the breaking point for Red Bull’s working relationship between Verstappen and Ricciardo. On lap 40, both drivers were fighting for fourth place when Verstappen, leading into Turn 1, swerved to block Ricciardo’s attempted outside pass. The movement led to Ricciardo colliding with the rear of Verstappen’s car, causing both to crash into the runoff area and retire from the race immediately.
The crash caused significant controversy for the team and illustrated just how fragile the partnership had become. This incident is frequently cited as a major factor behind Ricciardo’s decision to leave Red Bull at the end of the 2018 season in search of a fresh start with Renault. Ricciardo was reportedly concerned about being cast as the clear number two driver behind Verstappen, who by then had established himself as Red Bull’s standout racer. Team principal Christian Horner also hinted at this dynamic, commenting on Verstappen’s elevated status within the team.
Enduring Impact of the Verstappen-Ricciardo Rivalry at Red Bull
The clashes between Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo during their time together at Red Bull Racing reveal a rivalry fueled by intense competition, ambition, and moments of friction that shook the team’s dynamics. While both drivers were talented and showed flashes of mutual respect, their on-track battles increasingly bordered on conflict, affecting their working relationship and raising challenges for the Red Bull management.
Ricciardo’s move to Renault marked a significant shift for both drivers, allowing Verstappen to become the undisputed leader at Red Bull while giving Ricciardo the opportunity to rebuild his career away from teammate rivalry pressures. This tense history highlights how rivalries in Formula 1 can both motivate and strain teammates, with lasting consequences for driver careers and team cohesion.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Max Verstappen a millionaire?
A. As of December 2024, Celebrity Net Worth estimates Verstappen’s net worth to be around $200 million. He earns money from endorsements, investments, and a high Formula 1 salary. Before 2020, his salary was lower than that of the top F1 drivers.
Q. Has Max Verstappen had his baby?
A. MIAMI — Max Verstappen shared that he and his partner Kelly Piquet have had their first baby. The four-time world champion posted on Instagram Friday to announce the birth of their daughter, Lily. He wrote, “Welcome, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever — you are our greatest gift.”
Q. Who is Max Verstappen’s girlfriend’s baby daddy?
A. Piquet has connections to the sport through her family and personal life. She was once dating former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. The couple had a daughter named Penelope in July 2019 and are raising her together. Piquet is now with Verstappen. They announced their relationship in January 2021.
Q. Is Penelope not Max Verstappen’s daughter?
A. Kelly Piquet, Max Verstappen’s partner and daughter of past world champion Nelson Piquet, has a daughter named Penelope. Penelope is from an earlier relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has grown close to Penelope and mentioned this connection when asked if fatherhood might affect his racing performance.