Daniel Ricciardo Chooses Max Verstappen Over Sebastian Vettel

Daniel Ricciardo, a prominent figure in Formula One, has expressed his preference for Max Verstappen over Sebastian Vettel when it comes to determining who is the superior driver over a single lap. Ricciardo’s unique position as the only driver to have shared a garage with both champions allows him to provide a distinct perspective on their racing capabilities.

Ricciardo, an eight-time Grand Prix winner, has not only competed alongside multiple world champions but has also outperformed both Verstappen and Vettel during a season. His ability to deliver exceptional performances is noteworthy, especially considering the dominance of Verstappen, who has become a powerhouse in the sport. Ricciardo’s insights have also extended to offering guidance to rookie driver Arvid Lindblad, particularly on how to navigate challenges presented by Verstappen during race weekends.

Ricciardo’s Insights from 2019

In a 2019 podcast episode with former champion Nico Rosberg, Ricciardo discussed what distinguishes Verstappen from his predecessor, Vettel. At that time, Verstappen was still early in his career but had already garnered attention for his remarkable talent. Ricciardo noted, “With Max, I really think that we pushed each other more and more, and got that extra two-tenths that sometimes we didn’t think was there.”

Ricciardo highlighted Verstappen’s instinctive driving style, stating that he could quickly adapt and perform well from the very first laps of practice. He remarked, “There wasn’t much of a feeling-out process. I think he drives on a lot of probably instinct, and he just goes.” This instinctive approach stands in contrast to Vettel’s more technical and sensitive style, which Ricciardo acknowledged as being effective, but perhaps less adaptable.

When asked who would be quicker over a single lap, Ricciardo confidently declared, “Max. I won’t take anything away from Seb. Like Seb is not slow by any means. But I would say on raw speed; probably more so because Max is still young.” He elaborated that Verstappen’s potential for improvement remains high, while Vettel, having already established himself over many years, may have less room for growth.

Verstappen’s Ascendance in F1

Ricciardo’s endorsement of Verstappen’s talent has only become more significant over time. When Ricciardo spoke highly of Verstappen in 2019, the Dutch driver had secured just five Grand Prix victories. Fast forward to the present, and Verstappen has achieved an impressive 71 victories, placing him third on Formula One’s all-time wins list. This milestone not only surpasses Vettel’s record during their time at Red Bull but also exceeds the total career wins that Vettel achieved throughout his sixteen-year career in the sport.

Verstappen’s remarkable ascent within the realm of Formula One underscores not only his exceptional skill but also the potential for future accomplishments. As he continues to compete in his twelfth season, the trajectory of his career indicates that he is on track to further solidify his legacy among the sport’s all-time greats. Ricciardo’s early recognition of Verstappen’s abilities serves as a testament to the Dutch driver’s extraordinary potential and ongoing evolution within Formula One.