Daniel Ricciardo risks Max Verstappen's wrath with thinly-veiled swipe following Dutchman's Las Vegas Grand Prix comments... which could make for a VERY awkward Red Bull reunion

Daniel Ricciardo may have some explaining to do should he get his long-desired Red Bull return after he aimed a thinly-veiled dig at golden boy Max Verstappen after the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

When asked for his thoughts on the Sin City event, which has divided drivers, the Aussie star said he was enjoying the spectacle. 

'A few drivers have been a little bit 'whatever' about it,' Ricciardo, 34, told guests during a Q&A in the Qatar Airways Paddock Club via the New York Post.

'I think they're just trying to rebel. Deep down they really like it, they just don't want to admit it,' he added.

He was then pressed as to who he was alluding to, and sarcastically replied: '(He has_ a really long first name,' in reference to Verstappen.

Three-time world champion Verstappen has been outspoken in his criticism of the first event in Las Vegas, insisting it is '99 per cent show, 1 per cent race' and claiming he 'would tear the whole place down' if he was among the fans denied a refund after seeing just nine minutes of action on Thursday. 

'I feel like a show element is important, but I lack emotion,' he said of the street circuit.

'Of course I understand fans need something to do around the track, but it is more important we make them understand what we do about the sport,' the three-time world champion went on.

'I love Vegas, but not to drive a F1 car; to go out, throw everything on red, whatever. But the emotion and passion is not there compared to some old-school tracks.'

Verstappen did, however, sing 'Viva Las Vegas' as he crossed the line to take home his 18th win of the season. 

Ricciardo has been strongly linked with Sergio Perez's seat at Red Bull for 2024, in what would be a remarkable turnaround for the Australian after he was dumped by McLaren lasr year 

The 34-year-old has a strong relationship with Verstappen, which could be reignited should team principal Christian Horner turn to the charismatic AlphaTauri driver again.