Daniel Ricciardo has hailed Max Verstappen as destined to “go down as one of the best ever” in Formula 1, while expressing astonishment at Red Bull’s remarkable achievement in developing their own power units and clinching victories in their debut season. The Australian, who was Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull from 2016 to 2018, now serves as a Ford ambassador, closely linked to the Ford-Red Bull Powertrains partnership that made its competitive debut this year.

Reflecting on his time alongside Verstappen, Ricciardo described the period as a “cool time” marked by intense rivalry that fueled mutual growth. “There were moments of intense rivalry and competition, but it made us push ourselves to another level. I loved that,” he told the Cars and Culture with Jason Stein podcast. He emphasized Verstappen’s extraordinary talent: “He’s an insane talent. Of course, he has gone on and done so much, and he’s going to go down as one of the best ever, no doubt about it.”

Red Bull’s maiden win with the Ford-powered engine came at the Malaysian Grand Prix in Sepang, a circuit that holds special significance for Ricciardo. He recalled his own victory there in 2016, which was followed by a Red Bull one-two finish with Verstappen in second. “Every year he has been with Red Bull, he’s won a race. For them to do it with Ford Racing this year, to come out and win… I can’t even comprehend,” Ricciardo admitted. “I knew a bit about the project and what they were building, but I can’t comprehend everything that has gone into it. And for them to go and win in their first season together, there is no better guy to do it than Max.”

Verstappen has since added wins in Singapore and Mexico, pushing Red Bull ahead of Ferrari in the 2024 season with three grand prix victories compared to Ferrari’s two. His impressive drive from 21st on the grid to second place in Brazil further cemented his standing, leaving him second in the drivers’ championship after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Ricciardo, who exited F1 in 2024 and has since launched a collaboration between his Enchante brand and Ford Racing, maintains close ties with the Red Bull camp. “The whole thing has been awesome,” he said. “I sent Max and quite a few others in the team that I still talk with a message after, to share my congrats and happiness.” He praised the team’s culture, noting, “It was received well; there are a lot of good people in that team.”

Ricciardo’s remarks underscore not only Verstappen’s exceptional status in the sport but also the groundbreaking success of Red Bull Powertrains and Ford Racing in their maiden campaign—a collaboration that has reshaped the competitive landscape of Formula 1.