Everyone in the paddock knows the truth Max Verstappen won’t say out loud. That somewhere between the banter, the chaotic podium celebrations, and the wild overtakes, Max and Daniel Ricciardo had something. A friendship that edged on love, that spark everyone could see — but neither ever spoke about.

Now?

Max stands alone. Champion, yes. Fast, yes. But the paddock watches him with quiet sympathy as he walks to the grid without the echo of Daniel’s laugh beside him. As he sits in press conferences without the playful elbow nudges. As he celebrates victories, but always looks like he’s searching for someone in the crowd.

And Daniel? Gone. Retired. Hiding away somewhere far from the paddock, as if stepping foot here again would break him, would remind him of what he left behind.

But fear not, because four chaotic rookies have noticed the problem, and they’re determined to fix it.

.....