Karun Chandhok shares how Daniel Ricciardo forced Max Verstappen to change his approach at Red Bull

Follow us on Google Discover

It’s been a long time since one of Max Verstappen’s teammates got the better of him in Formula 1.

There was a turning point during the 2023 F1 season when Sergio Perez won twice in the first five races, which sent Max Verstappen on the longest winning streak in the sport’s history.

Prior to Perez’s arrival, both Alex Albon and Pierre Gasly struggled alongside the 28-year-old at Red Bull, and both Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda didn’t fare any better after the Mexican driver was dropped at the end of 2024.

🔢 Rank Max Verstappen’s five teammates since Daniel Ricciardo

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

The last time Verstappen finished below his teammate in the drivers’ championship was 2017.

Daniel Ricciardo outscored the Dutchman by 32 points to finish P5 in the standings, before leaving Red Bull for Renault at the end of the following campaign.

The Australian driver struggled to reach the same peaks once he departed Red Bull, but Karun Chandhok has now explained how Ricciardo forced Verstappen to look at his approach to racing, helping him become the driver that he is today.

READ MORE: Daniel Ricciardo’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Karun Chandhok pinpoints two Daniel Ricciardo masterstrokes that changed Max Verstappen

Chandhok was a guest on the Autosport Podcast talking about the 10 races in F1 history with the best overtaking moves.

They reached number seven on the list, which was the 2018 Chinese Grand Prix, which was won by Ricciardo.

It was put to Chandhok that this race, as well as Monaco in the same season, were two moments that forced Verstappen to consider changing his racing approach because Ricciardo got the better of him.

He said: “Yes, I get that. Everything you’ve said is absolutely right.

“The reality is that both Red Bulls were put on the same strategy. I think they double-stacked in there that last pit stop.

“I do think if you look over the last decade, I do think Red Bull have generally been the best team strategically. They think outside the box; they do something differently.

“They’re not afraid to roll the dice, and they often get it right. So they gave both drivers the opportunity to do it.

Does Isack Hadjar have the right mindset for his promotion to Red Bull in 2026?

Comment

Like or Comment

Have your say Sign-in now for free

“And as you said, at that point when they came out, Max was in front. So a brilliant, brilliant drive from Daniel to do it.

“And as you said before, the move for the win on Bottas was right on the edge of having a shunt.

“He was away from the racing line into turn six, downhill braking. It’s a little bit bumpy into that area. And the car, the rear often gets quite light.

“So for him to just balance the brake without having a lock-up and then not go too wide to allow the switchback on the way out as well was a brilliant move to execute.

“And he picked his way even up to that point smartly, which perhaps Max’s youthful exuberance at that stage and inexperience, really, at that point, let’s be honest, compared to Daniel, maybe came into play.”

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Max Verstappen is no longer making the same mistakes at Red Bull after Daniel Ricciardo partnership

The 2018 season was a turning point for Verstappen, starting the campaign behind Ricciardo before securing five podium finishes in the final five races of the year.

He apologised to Sebastian Vettel after crashing into him at that year’s Chinese Grand Prix, and lost out on a win as a result.

He said, via the BBC: “Those moments happen in your career. Nobody wants it, but unfortunately, it happens.”

It followed errors he made in Australia and Bahrain before crashing in the aforementioned race in Monaco during FP3.

Ricciardo has previously shared what it’s like being Verstappen’s teammate, which is advice that Isack Hadjar will need to take heading into next season.

The Australian can take some credit for the driver that Verstappen has become, and pushing him to find another level after dominating many of the junior series he raced in before Formula 1.