Verstappen should listen more, says Ricciardo

A year on from Verstappen's switch to Red Bull that teed up a maiden victory in the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, Ricciardo believes that one of the Dutchman's weaknesses is his youthful independence.

However, he is convinced that Verstappen – who forced the adoption of new rules regarding moving under braking after clashing with several rivals – will learn to overcome his shortcomings in this area as he gets older.

In an interview with Motorsport.com discussing his 10 years with the Red Bull family, Ricciardo was asked to single out what he considered to be Verstappen's strengths and weaknesses,

"I think strengths, I guess his determination," explained Ricciardo. "He's obviously willing to push the car on the limit and that's obviously a really good thing.

"And weakness, I would say his age. But not his age in the sport. He's done the racing a long time so it's not necessarily that, but I think it's probably just in life. Probably just absorbing some things from older people - like last year when he was doing some things with braking.

"A lot of the older drivers would say: 'Look, we don't think this is right', or something. And Max would be like 'I know what I'm doing' kind of thing. You know, that's a strength that he is independent, but may be a weakness...

"But that will come with time, and he will then understand maybe a little bit of probably advice from the older guys."

Converging set-ups

Ricciardo believes his partnership with Verstappen has worked well, and that in pushing each other along their set-ups have actually merged.

"I always try and learn from everyone," said Ricciardo about working with Verstappen. "I think because driving is such a technical sport, there's always something different you can apply. A different technique or whatever, a way to set the car up.

"Honestly, I can't say there's one place where I'm like: 'Well, I learned that from Max.' If it's in technique or braking or something, I think you learn these things subconsciously.

"Because we are both very motivated and very determined to win, we are constantly pushing each other, but also our engineers are trying to really find a way to make the car different.

"So, maybe some things last year with the setup. I think we started off with quite different setups. And then we kind of merged together.

"So maybe I did some things which I didn't think would work, and he maybe some things he was doing [as well]. Like this, you maybe start to learn some things."

Career steps

While Ricciardo conceded that winning the F1 championship with Red Bull this season is now a long shot based on its start to the season, he remains convinced that the outfit can still offer him a title shot in the future.

"I think we have to see how the rest of this year goes. I think if we can really have a strong second half of the season, a bit like last year, then I think we could produce something better for next year.

"So I think what happens in the second half of this year will then make a big difference to next year. And then hopefully that can create a championship winning car. Let's hope. Let's hope it's within the next 18 months."

When asked if he felt time was slipping away for him to grab that title, Ricciardo said: "No, look, I think once I reach 30, then maybe you start to feel a bit more pressure of being in that right place at the right time. But I'm still 27, so I'm certainly still young.

"I've got, let's say, the next 18 months with Red Bull to really give this a good push and then we'll see. And then, yeah, probably once I get past 30, then it's probably going to be a bit more desperate for that good move. But at the same time I want everything as soon as possible and by everything I mean a world title."

Ricciardo has been linked in the past with a switch to Ferrari, but says for now the only thing that interests him is a competitive car – rather than dreaming of moving to one of F1's most historic outfits.

Asked if he dreams of racing for a team like Ferrari: "If I'm honest, no. People talk about Ferrari and the history and all that, and I was a fan growing up as a kid.

"You think F1, I guess you think Ferrari. So sure there is some history with probably most drivers in that team, but for me, I probably don't get too sentimental with that process, especially now that I haven't won a championship.

"I would be more looking at a team that's going to win me a title as opposed to a team that's got a better story. So whoever that is, obviously in the future, who knows. At least now, as I said, the next 18 months I really hope that's Red Bull."