Former Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Daniel Ricciardo would have won a world championship if he had more competitive machinery at the team.
Ricciardo joined the Milton Keynes-based squad in 2014 and spent five seasons with the team.
However, during that period, Red Bull was unable to compete for a title as Ricciardo was only able to muster a handful of race wins and various podium finishes.
The Australian has since retired from racing, having last raced in F1 in 2024 - however his buoyant personality has placed him as a favourite among fans.
Speaking on the Christian O'Connell Show, Horner took time to commend Ricciardo's character.
“Daniel is just a great guy,” he said. “He lights up a room when he walks in it. He's a big personality.
“He's got a big heart, a very sensitive guy. I just clicked with him.”
With Red Bull's successful spells coming before and after Ricciardo's time with the team, Horner is confident the Australian could have added himself to elite company if the squad had given him the right tools.
“He was a wonderful driver, and unfortunately, the car at the time when he was at his peak, we didn't have the most competitive car on the grid.
“If we had, he could have been a world champion. But a great guy and I think the sport misses Daniel.”
Offering more insight into the type of person Ricciardo is, Horner added: “That smile, he's a great singer as well. I'd always have a party after the Silverstone race, and his rendition of Wagon Wheel was legendary.
“In fact, I made him sing it at a Christmas party once which he never forgave me for.
“Just a big personality, a lot of charisma.”
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