Ricciardo ‘understands’ Verstappen’s frustrations amid criticism

Daniel Ricciardo says he sympathises with Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen’s frustrations in light of the barrage of recent criticism he has faced in Formula 1.

Verstappen has come under fire following a difficult start to the season, in which he has been involved in six incidents during the opening six rounds - the latest of which came during FP3 in Monaco as he slammed his RB14 into the barriers, ruling him out of qualifying.

The Dutchman was back in the spotlight during the pre-race drivers’ press conference ahead of this weekend’s Canadian Grand Prix, in which he admitted he is “getting tired” of comments about his approach and added he “might headbutt someone” if the same line of questioning continued.

When asked if he can sympathise with his teammate, Ricciardo replied: “Yeah I understand. Because now he is in the spotlight. The FP3 crash was not a small error, but even a small error now, he is probably going to get a little bit picked apart from.

“There will be times where it is probably going to be frustrating, but at the end of the day it is in his control. He is pretty headstrong. He won’t let it get to him too much. I understand where it is coming from.”

Verstappen’s latest crash led Red Bull team principal Christian Horner to claim the youngster could learn lessons from Ricciardo’s approach, following the Australian’s imperious performance across the Monte Carlo weekend on route to claiming a redemptive victory.

And Ricciardo said he is open to giving Verstappen advice should he ask for it.

“If he was to ask me something, I would happily tell him my position or my point of view,” he added. “I wouldn’t hide anything from him, it’s the best way. I won’t go up and put my arm around him and say let’s have a talk. I don’t think it is my place. But for sure if he came up and asked me something I would be open and honest.

“We have a pretty good off-track relationship. Even after Monaco we spoke quite a bit after the race, even Monday we spoke a little bit. And it was more I was encouraging him to come and have a few beers, but he said maybe it is best you drink today and I will just chill out. But yeah he’s OK.”