Has Ricciardo been surpassed by Verstappen's generation in F1?

Ricciardo after Singapore GP

Ricciardo himself has given an explanation after the Singapore race. There, he was asked if he was up for a role as a reserve driver within the Red Bull organisation. "Last year, it made a lot of sense to keep one foot in the door. The big picture was to try and get back at Red Bull. I'm also 35, and I still showed the pace that I've had over the years, but it's obviously been evident that it's been harder for me to show it every weekend," Ricciardo said.

"I think it definitely came easier for me when I was 25 as opposed to 35. Maybe the competition is just increasing. I think that's probably a common thing with all sports. Simulators are getting better. The kids are getting younger. So naturally that and they have access to all on boards now so they can watch and study everyone"

"Maybe it's just the levels increased and it's probably a tall task for me to fight at that level week in week out so I can't be disappointed with that. I'm happy that once upon a time I could do it and that was a lot of fun and I also would, if this is it, I want to make sure I walk away or leave the sport with good memories of it and it doesn't get into that place where it's just a grind and I'm out in Q1 every weekend you know? That's obviously not fun," the Australian concluded.

This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton