Ricciardo shares touching story about his friendship with Max Verstappen

Ricciardo seems set to leave Formula 1. The Visa Cash App RB driver is expected to be replaced by Red Bull Junior Liam Lawson for the United States Grand Prix. There has been no comfirmation yet from VCARB but the driver was emotional when speaking to the media after the Singapore Grand Prix. 

Ricciardo reflected on his career, including his time at Red Bull Racing. In 2016, he became teammates with Verstappen since the Dutchman recieved a promotion to the top team. Ricciardo remembered the good times with his friend.

"It's a funny thing, because as teammates you just know each other more. You spend so much time together. From a professional point of view, you can get inside each other's head. I got to know how he thinks and he got to know how I think," Ricciardo told Sky Sports. "It's a weird intimacy. We had such a rivalry, but also I think we really enjoyed it and it became such a respect."

Ricciardo: 'Verstappen was one of the only ones who sent me anything'

"I think Max has grown into obviously a great driver but a very mature young man. He's always been very appreciative of our friendship and supportive - even after Japan this year, I was getting quite a lot of stick and he was one of the only guys who sent me a text and said, 'mate, keep your head up. We know what you're capable of. Don't listen to the noise.' I respect and appreciate him a lot," Ricciardo said of Verstappen.

In the Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo helped Verstappen out by beating Lando Norris' fastest lap. This took a point from Norris, though Ricciardo did not get the bonus pont because he finished outside the top 10.

This article has been created in collaboration with Estéban den Toom