Daniel Ricciardo: Max Verstappen catches up with Red Bull teammate as Sergio Perez fights for F1 life

In a world of fast-paced jumps from country to country and precious little downtime, four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen still finds time to catch up with former teammate Daniel Ricciardo.

The bond between the two seems as strong as ever and was highlighted at a very recent meeting, reminding fans the Australian is still very much one of Red Bull’s favourite sons.

Ricciardo and Verstappen came together for the first time since his sensational axing after the Singapore Grand Prix for some light-hearted fun at a Padel promotion, while current Red Bull tier-one driver Sergio Perez fights tooth and nail to hold his spot with the team.

Verstappen, who is enjoying a rare mid-season break in the hectic F1 schedule, was dealt a humbling defeat alongside his Aussie mate at the hands of a gun 13-year-old Padel player.

Ricciardo was all smiles alongside Verstappen despite the heavy loss saying via Instagram: “We got humbled yesterday. 13 years old. 6-4 and 6-1. Back to the drawing board.”

F1 drivers have taken to Padel as one of the ‘downtime’ pursuits but it seems the Red Bull guns may need a bit more time with paddle in hand.

Ricciardo, 35, is still very much a part of the Red Bull family and is no doubt keeping himself sharp in case team boss Christian Horner sends an SOS to bolster the ranks in place of the flailing Perez.

Young Kiwi flyer Liam Lawson was brought in to replace Ricciardo at VCRAB after the Singapore GP, but the continued slide of RBR in the constructors championship, and the inability for Perez to post points, has placed a target on the Mexican’s back which may force Horner into an immediate restructure.

Horner has been critical of the team’s recent performances and has publicly spoken about the challenges for Perez.

“We are now only third in the constructors’ championship,” Horner said.

“As a team, we have done everything we can to support Checo (Perez), But there comes a point when we can’t do any more.

“That is the point at which difficult decisions have to be made.”