The Dutch prodigy’s transfer earlier this season to Red Bull Racing from Toro Rosso has caused some frustrations for the Aussie, but ultimately he welcomes the opposition coming from the young man on the side of the garage.
“I think it’s pushed me to another level and Max is in his game,” Ricciardo told Motosport.com.
“I mean, I’ve said it for a while now, I want to be tested in Formula 1. Obviously I believe I can be world champion, that’s my target, but if I don’t, then at least I can say ‘Well, I tried and, OK, I’m not the best in the world, there is someone better than me’. But I like to learn.
“And I think Max is a really good challenge. Obviously he’s got a whole lot of steam and love behind him. It’s a bit like Seb [Vettel], if I can get on top of Max, I think it’s only going to bode well for my future improvement.”
As his young team mate basks in the limelight of his outstanding achievements to date in Formula 1, Ricciardo doesn’t mind the focus being diverted away from his own merits, but only to a certain point as views must remain balanced.
“I mean, I’m sort of glad I’m not that, because it’s pretty hectic at such a young age. He’s more mature than anything, he’s been around for a while. Sometimes it’s nice to go a bit under the radar.
“Sure he should get praise when it’s true for him, but I wanna make sure that I’m getting my praise that I deserve as well.”
