Max Verstappen doesn’t want Ricciardo to replace him in the simulator
After being teammates at Red Bull between 2016 and 2018, Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen are about to work together again. The latter does not want to see any other driver than himself in the simulator.
Having never been able to find consistency in performance at McLaren, Daniel Ricciardo saw his contract end a year early. Unable to find a suitable starting seat for the 2023 season, the Australian found refuge with the team that had its heyday, but as a third driver.
As part of his development role within the Red Bull team, Ricciardo will be involved in testing programs, marketing campaigns, and most importantly, simulator work. The two-time world champion Max Verstappen apparently does not want Red Bull development driver Daniel Ricciardo « to work in the simulator » in 2023, as the Dutchman wants to do it himself since each driver has « their own driving style ».
Sometimes, the days in the simulation are long, but I am convinced that this kind of work is worth it,” Verstappen tells Speed Week. “As for me, I don’t want there to be a test driver working in the simulator like other teams do.”
« I want to work on it myself because everyone has their own style of handling. It helps me to maintain my focus. After all, there isn’t much to do at home besides training on the simulator. Plus, it’s something that I enjoy. »
The question remains as to how Red Bull will assess Ricciardo’s performances in 2023 and whether the Austrian team will allow him to return in the future.
