Max Verstappen, the rising star of Formula 1, has had a series of team-mates at Red Bull, but one has been crowned the ultimate partner by the fans. And it's not who you might expect! In a recent poll conducted by RacingNews365, F1 enthusiasts were asked to choose the strongest teammate Max has had during his time at Red Bull. The results are in, and it's a clear win for Daniel Ricciardo, who secured a whopping 67.2% of the votes.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Ricciardo was only Verstappen's teammate for three seasons, from 2016 to 2018, before seeking new adventures at Renault. During this time, the duo undoubtedly made their mark on the track. However, the following years saw Verstappen's other teammates, including Pierre Gasly, Alex Albon, and Sergio Perez, face challenges in matching his pace. Perez, who came in second in the poll with 27.2% of the votes, also had his fair share of struggles, especially towards the end of his stint.
The poll results spark an interesting debate: Is Ricciardo truly the best teammate Verstappen has had, or is it a case of fans cherishing the good old days? After all, Ricciardo's time at Red Bull saw the team achieve notable successes. The question remains: Can a few seasons of partnership outweigh the longer-term collaborations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
In other news, the 2026 F1 season promises to be a game-changer with new regulations. From movable wings to sustainable fuel, the sport is evolving. Stay up-to-date with the latest F1 calendar, easily accessible on your devices, so you never miss a thrilling race. Download the calendar and be part of the action!