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Ricciardo switches to Verstappen for boxing match after Hamilton rejection

11 May 2021 at 13:03
Last update 11 May 2021 at 13:10
  • GPblog.com

Daniel Ricciardo also likes to do other sports outside of Formula 1. The McLaren driver also practices martial arts from time to time, boxing being one of them. The Australian reveals that he has challenged Lewis Hamilton on occasion, but it never came to a confrontation in the ring. A new target may be Max Verstappen.

"In early 2016, Lewis posted a video on Instagram showing him boxing. At the same time, I was training the same way. So when we saw each other again at the track, I asked him, 'Shall we go to a boxing match together for charity?' I was a bit disappointed when I got a rejection," Ricciardo explained to The Athletic Portal.

A new Verstappen vs. Ricciardo

Now that the Perth-based driver has a rejection in his pocket from the current world championship leader, he must look for a new challenger. "Maybe Max Verstappen. He's quite stubborn behind the wheel, stubborn, rebellious, you don't shake him off that easily. Max would certainly be a formidable opponent in the boxing ring."

And what if, in the unlikely scenario, Verstappen too has no desire to take on his former teammate. "Of the other drivers, Daniil Kvyat comes to mind. The other drivers probably wouldn't stand a chance," Ricciardo winks with a smile on his face.