Verstappen and Ricciardo Reunite in Red Bull Video, Sparking Fan Excitement
Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo delighted fans by reuniting in a new Red Bull video. The appearance comes as Ricciardo transitions to a Ford ambassador role ahead of the 2026 season.
A recent Red Bull promotional video featuring Max Verstappen and Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad racing historic Ford machines took an unexpected turn with a cameo from Daniel Ricciardo. The surprise reunion of the former teammates, known to fans as "Maxiel," has ignited excitement across social media, reminding the paddock of the chemistry lost since Ricciardo's departure from full-time competition.
Why it matters:
This appearance marks Ricciardo's first major integration into the Red Bull-Ford partnership since becoming a brand ambassador. With Ford joining forces with Red Bull Powertrains for the 2026 regulations, Ricciardo’s presence bridges the gap between the team's past and its engine-supplier future, offering a nostalgic hook for fans amid the technical overhaul.
The details:
- The Challenge: Verstappen and Lindblad competed in various Ford vehicles spanning the last century, culminating in a final showdown where Ricciardo appeared to greet the drivers.
- Fan Frenzy: The reaction was immediate and emotional, with fans on Reddit and X praising the "wonderful chemistry" between Verstappen and Ricciardo. Comments ranged from "I gasped when Daniel just showed up" to hopes that this signals more content involving the trio.
- New Roles: Since leaving F1 after the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, Ricciardo signed with Ford Racing in September 2025. This video follows previous Ford-related content featuring Red Bull junior drivers like Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson.
What's next:
All eyes are now on Detroit. Red Bull and Racing Bulls are scheduled to unveil their 2026 liveries on January 15, an event that will likely feature Ford prominently and potentially more collaborations involving Ricciardo in an ambassadorial capacity.