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The End of an Era for Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen
With Daniel Ricciardo’s departure from Visa RB, Max Verstappen is bidding farewell to one of his closest friends on the Formula 1 grid. The Dutch champion shared a three-year stint at Red Bull with the cheerful Australian during his early career, fostering a bond that has continued to thrive. Verstappen remains optimistic about Ricciardo’s future, emphasizing that *exciting opportunities* lie ahead for him.
A Heartfelt Farewell on Social Media
On Thursday, Max Verstappen took to Instagram to uplift Ricciardo in a heartfelt message: “Keep your head up, mate. There are plenty of great things coming your way.” After the Singapore Grand Prix, Verstappen felt indebted to Ricciardo, who notably snatched the fastest lap point away from Verstappen’s title rival, Lando Norris, at Marina Bay. Aware that Ricciardo’s retirement was approaching, Verstappen expressed gratitude for his friend’s sportsmanship following the race.
The Legacy of Daniel Ricciardo
As Verstappen reflected on their relationship, he shared with Viaplay: “Daniel is an incredible guy. We’ve always had a fantastic connection. He will be remembered not .comy as an exceptional driver but also as a remarkable person. When my time in Formula 1 comes to an end, I look forward to cracking open a beer with him, reminiscing about all those years we shared.”
Racing Rivals Show Their Support
Ricciardo himself took to his social media platforms to reflect on his journey, describing it as “a wild, beautiful, and incredible ride”. The 35-year-old signified that he was looking ahead to a *new adventure*. Lando Norris, his former teammate, shared his affection with a heart emoji, saying, “Love you, mate.” Fernando Alonso chimed in with a note about new adventures coming, while George Russell made it clear that he would greatly miss his fellow racer.
Tributes From Fellow Competitors
Esteban Ocon, who partnered with Ricciardo at Renault in 2020, expressed that he gained a lot from their association, stating, “You’re a top guy. You should be proud of your achievements. I have no doubt you’ll find further successes in the future.” Lewis Hamilton, who has competed against Ricciardo since 2011, also paid tribute with an emotional post on Instagram, reminiscing: “It was an honor to compete against you all these years. I’ll never forget the battles, the laughter, and the drinks from your shoe. It was wild, but I’m grateful to experience it with you, buddy. You’ve always been true to yourself and managed to do everything with a huge smile. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you. I’m always here for you.”
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