Within the excessive stakes world of System 1, the place rivalries typically dominate headlines, It’s uncommon to seek out one driver brazenly praising one other—particularly a competitor who’s as dominant as Max Verstappen. However Daniel Ricciardo, identified for his laid-back persona and candid appeal, as soon as revealed in a dialog with Ariel Helwani that he’s really a fan of the Dutchman.
“Who’re you most the fan of on the grid?” Helwani . Ricciardo paused, then mentioned: “I imply for various causes, I suppose, Max. As a result of I feel he’s what he’s.”
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The podcast could be three years outdated, however the quote has resurfaced on-line—and it speaks columns. Coming from somebody who as soon as shared a storage with Verstappen at Purple Bull racing, Ricciardo’s phrases carry extra weight than an off-the-cuff praise.
He pointed to Verstappen’s no-nonsense method to media duties as one of many issues he respects. “If he doesn’t wanna discuss to somebody, within the media or no matter, he received’t,” Ricciardo mentioned.
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In reality, the Dutchman has been open about his dislike for the dramatized facets of Drive to Survive, going as far as to choose out of some appearances. Ricciardo referenced this, saying, “I feel among the Netflix stuff now, with the brand new season… he has mentioned no to a couple of the issues.”
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That type of self-assuredness struck a chord with Ricciardo. “He type of simply has his approach and he simply sticks by it, ” the Australian defined. “You simply get what you see. And I feel lots of people additionally admire that.”
Ricciardo additionally famous that whereas Verstappen may not come throughout as probably the most approachable or the outgoing determine, his authenticity is a part of what makes him distinctive. “He may not be probably the most approachable or the funniest or no matter, however he’s Max… and folks know that’s what they’re gonna get.”
Having shared a storage with Verstappen throughout their Purple Bull years, Ricciardo witnessed his teammate’s development firsthand. “I’ve identified him fairly a very long time as effectively, and I’ve additionally seen him mature and type of develop,” he mentioned.
