Ricciardo praises Verstappen after Red Bull-Ford victory

Red Bull and Ford secured a victory in their first season together. “There is no better driver than Max for that,” said Daniel Ricciardo, Verstappen’s former Red Bull team-mate.

Ricciardo, now a Ford Racing ambassador, made the comment when Jason Stein asked him about Red Bull’s resurgence in 2026.

Red Bull had a difficult start to 2026, but later that season Verstappen reached the podium in eight consecutive races and won three of the last four.

Ricciardo said he was delighted for everyone involved and for Verstappen. He knew a little about the project, he said, but could scarcely imagine how much work had gone into it.

After the victory, he said, he messaged Verstappen and several Red Bull team members he remains in touch with to congratulate them and share his happiness. Ricciardo said the gesture was appreciated.

Ricciardo also said he looked back fondly on their time as team-mates. He recalled moments of intense rivalry, but said they pushed each other to a higher level.