Daniel Ricciardo admits he was surprised how well he and Max Verstappen got on while teammates at Red Bull.

The Dutchman was thrust up alongside the Australian at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix and during their near-three season partnership became known for their antics off the track while being serious on it.

“I’d say the relationship with Max and myself went better than, I’ll be honest, I thought it would go," Ricciardo stated.

“Unless we’re battling for the same bit of tarmac, that could always spice it up!"

Indeed, the spell as teammates wasn't always great with the pair colliding in Hungary 2017 and Baku 2018 but it was their epic wheel-to-wheel battle in Malaysia in 2016 which set the more common tone.

Explaining why he didn't think he'd get on so well with Verstappen though, the Honey Badger continued: “Just our personalities and our self-belief. I really believe he thinks he’s the best in the world and I believe I am.

“So, that can obviously clash, but we always managed at least 99% of the time managed to keep that in its own little place.

“It was cool, it was a good, hard fight with him and I enjoyed it.”

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As a line-up, many consider Ricciardo and Verstappen as perhaps the strongest on the grid and the 29-year-old agrees both were good for the other.

“There’s a lot of potential for sure some potential greatness for Max,” Daniel believes.

“I think it’s all about the trajectory. He was quick from day one but I’m convinced he’s a lot quicker than his first win for Red Bull.

“So, I’m sure he’ll keep improving, but it’s probably going to be more of a scenario/situation if he’s going to be in a car that’s capable.

“He’s obviously very talented and I’ve enjoyed the challenge with him, the rivalry. I think we’ve both grown as drivers – it’s been beneficial to both of our careers.”

As for Verstappen, he enjoyed the atmosphere Ricciardo created at Red Bull and hopes that will continue with his new teammate in 2019.

“Daniel is, in general, a very positive person and always smiling,” Max said. “It’s a good atmosphere to be around him. It’s better than having a grumpy teammate who doesn’t always speak to you.

“That’s maybe not a lesson but having a good atmosphere in the team is important so I’ll take that on board and try to create that with Pierre [Gasly].”