Verstappen and Ricciardo Reunite in Red Bull's Ford Challenge
Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo reunited in a Red Bull video featuring Ford cars. The former teammates shared a moment as rookie Arvid Lindblad won the challenge, sparking talk of Ricciardo's return to a suit.
Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo reunited in Red Bull’s latest YouTube video, taking on challenges with Ford cars spanning a century. Joined by Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad, the session featured a surprise appearance by Ricciardo that left Verstappen smiling. Lindblad ultimately claimed victory in the final showdown, leading Verstappen to encourage his former teammate to "have a go," with Ricciardo jokingly suggesting he might put a race suit on again.
Why it matters:
The reunion serves as a nostalgic reminder of one of F1's popular driver pairings while signaling Ricciardo's evolving role within the Red Bull family. As a Ford ambassador, the Australian remains linked to the sport just as the American manufacturer prepares to supply power units to Red Bull in 2026. This connection suggests Ricciardo could leverage his experience and popularity to bridge the gap between the team's current operations and its future technical partnership.
The details:
- The Reunion: Verstappen and Ricciardo were teammates between 2016 and 2018. Their interaction in the video demonstrated a lasting friendship, with Verstappen genuinely surprised to see his former partner.
- The Result: Despite Verstappen's status as the reigning champion, the challenge was won by junior driver Arvid Lindblad, highlighting the depth of young talent within the Red Bull academy.
- The Dialogue: Verstappen’s playful insistence that Ricciardo jump in the car—"Just go in, just jump in!"—and Ricciardo’s response about the race suit hint at the Australian's itch to remain involved in driving activities, even if not in a full-time race seat.
- Ford Connection: The video was not just entertainment but a showcase for the Ford-Red Bull alliance. With the 2026 regulations looming, having Ricciardo as the face of Ford Racing integrates him into the team's long-term strategy.
Looking ahead:
Ricciardo’s last F1 start was the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, but his ambassadorial role ensures he stays in the ecosystem. As Red Bull develops its in-house Ford engine for 2026, expect to see Ricciardo involved in testing, promotional events, and potentially simulator work, keeping his competitive instincts alive while supporting the team's future technical ambitions.