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Christian Horner, the team principal of Red Bull Racing, reminisces about the days when Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen were teammates. According to the British racer, Verstappen gained invaluable insights from his former colleague, with perhaps the most crucial lesson being the importance of enjoying life and not taking it too seriously.
An Era of Teamwork: Verstappen and Ricciardo
For three exciting years, Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo raced side by side at Red Bull Racing, a partnership that came to an end when Ricciardo moved to Renault in 2019. Their time together was marked by significant achievements, such as Verstappen’s maiden victory in Barcelona in 2016, as well as contentious moments, highlighted by their infamous collision at the 2018 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Learning to Enjoy the Moment
In a recent episode of the F1 Nation podcast, Horner reflected on Verstappen’s development during his time with Ricciardo. “When Max first joined the team, he was still very much the rookie,” said Horner. He continued by emphasizing how Ricciardo’s laid-back attitude had a profound impact on Verstappen, stating that “Daniel played a pivotal role in teaching Max not to take life too seriously and to savor each moment.”
Memorable Moments in the Red Bull Garage
Beyond imparting life lessons, Ricciardo was also known for creating countless entertaining moments within the Red Bull garage. “Daniel was genuinely passionate about being a Grand Prix driver,” Horner recalled fondly. “His carefree and sometimes quirky antics brought a unique vibe to our team.”
Among the amusing episodes Horner mentions is a particular incident where Ricciardo swiped a camera from one of the F1 cameramen and headed straight to the Mercedes garage. Horner noted, “It was quite the spectacle. I was astonished that Toto Wolff didn’t immediately boot him out of there, especially since he was focusing on the brake lines and other things that piqued our interest.”
The Legacy of a Dynamic Duo
The camaraderie and rivalry between Ricciardo and Verstappen were integral to Red Bull’s stories in those years. Their contrasting personalities—Verstappen’s intensity and Ricciardo’s light-heartedness—created a dynamic that benefited the team in different ways. The reckless enthusiasm of Ricciardo balanced the serious nature of the sport and encouraged Verstappen to find joy amidst the high stakes of Formula 1 racing.
As the races go on and new talent emerges, the influence of veterans like Ricciardo on the next generation remains notable. The lessons learned from teammates often shape not just their careers, but the culture of the team and how it approaches each new challenge. In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, the fusion of seriousness with moments of lightheartedness defines how teams maintain perspective, ultimately leading to success both on and off the track.
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