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Ricciardo, Verstappen play American football ahead of US GP

United States -  Red Bull drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen swapped their Formula 1 racing suits for padded shoulders and cleats ahead of the United States Grand Prix, as they took part in an American Football practice session at Del Valle High School with the Cardinals.

Verstappen and Ricciardo went through a rigorous two hour practice session, warming up with high kicks, field goal attempts, throwing and catching exercises and various drills.

Team chemistry

Ricciardo said on the Red Bull Racing website: "It was very cool. I love ball sports and it's always good to try something new.

"I really liked the camaraderie. It's great how sports here are such a big part of education. Actually, I got a bit too excited and I've lost my voice – lots of screaming and shouting – but a really great experience."

"I think I did OK! I think my catching was OK, the kicking and throwing... well, my catching was OK. I think they were being easy on me: they're 16 or 17 years old and twice my size!"

Verstappen, who beat Ricciardo when it came to kicking the football, said: "Well, yeah, it's a first for me – in Holland we're more famous for soccer – but it was a cool experience, and interesting to play with an egg-shaped ball. 

"There was a real feeling of team spirit, and that's always good. It's very different to what we do in F1 – but like us they have to work together to get a result and that's no different."

Check out these cool images of Verstappen and Ricciardo having fun in the US: 

Image: Red Bull Racing/ Instagram



Image: Red Bull Racing/ Instagram


Image: Red Bull Racing/ Instagram


Image: Red Bull Racing/ Instagram


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