Verstappen does not rule out Ricciardo as teammate: 'That chance is there, right?'

Verstappen regrets that De Vries is no longer an F1 driver. According to the Dutchman, it would have made little difference if his mate had been fired last week, or only during the summer break: "Well, it's a tough one, but if the decision was already made, then I don't think it really matters a lot when it happens."

'Great driver'

De Vries' Formula 1 exit is independent of his qualities, the Dutchman believes. "I think we all know that Nyck is an incredible driver. He's shown that in every single category. When the car is a little bit difficult. I think with these new generation of cars, when you're a rookie, it doesn't matter what age you are or whatever, they are quite difficult to get on top of. And, yeah, plus that the car probably was not or is not the most competitive. And then I think, you just sometimes need these one or two moments where you shine where you maybe get a point or two points."

According to Verstappen, things could have turned out differently: "Sometimes it's just the wrong time or the wrong moment when you're there and it doesn't work out for you." But one thing is certain for the two-time world champion. Nyck's career is definitely not over. "People sometimes they seem to like if it doesn't work out in F1 or everything is lost. But it's not. I mean, there's so many great categories out there where you can have a  great career and probably even more fun than some places in Formula 1 even."

Ricciardo at Red Bull?

For his part, Verstappen is also happy about the return of Daniel Ricciardo, with whom he is also friends. The 43-time race winner does not even rule out the Australian becoming his teammate again one day. "I never actually wanted him to leave. All of these things, we know that we get on very well. If Daniel does well, where he is now, then, of course, you have the opportunity to go back up, right? So it's all open to be honest."