Ricciardo: No reason why Verstappen rivalry can't stay healthy
Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo reckons him and new teammate Max Verstappen can go on to enjoy a healthy rivalry if both remain "open" and honest.
Verstappen replaced Kvyat as Daniel Ricciardo's teammate four races into the campaign and went on to win on his Red Bull Racing debut in Spain.
The duo are both contracted to Red Bull for the long-term, and Ricciardo says he has been getting on well with Verstappen.
"It is hard to predict what is going to happen in the long run," Ricciardo said. "I can speak for the first few races - [our relationship] has been good.
"Max came in and set a bit of a tone in Barcelona - that was a pretty crazy weekend - since then it has been good. Obviously Monaco didn't work well for him, and he openly admitted it and took it on chin.
"We have thrived off the new challenge, the new rivalry, so hopefully it can keep pushing the team in the right direction. Hopefully that rivalry will mean we are fighting for victories more often."
The Aussie also insisted that his relationship with Verstappen doesn't have to sour as it has in the past for many other pairs of teammates.
"For sure we can have a healthy [rivalry], if you are mature about it and admit if one guy is better on one day and be open about it, then you will always have good respect.
"When you make mistakes out of nothing, that is when it doesn't work out that well. We need to keep working hard - so far, so good."
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