Horner thought Ricciardo departure 'was joke'

Red Bull boss Christian Horner was so taken aback by Daniel Ricciardo's call to tell him that he was moving to Renault that he thought that the Australian was making a joke, according to reports from the British publication The Daily Mail.

Ricciardo stunned the racing world on Friday by confirming a move to Renault on a two-year deal commencing in the 2019 season, after months of speculation regarding where he would race next season.

It is understood that the Aussie had grown tired of a future playing second fiddle to Max Verstappen, but it appeared that all conceivable options had dried up and he was set to stay.

Indeed the report suggests that Horner believed a one-year extension, as per Ricciardo's request, had been agreed, and that the announcement would be made during this summer break.

However, Renault's 11th-hour offer, thought to be worth £20m per season, persuaded Ricciardo to leave and when Horner received the call he thought initially that it was a prank - a video confirming his stay at Red Bull had already been made and was ready for publish.

A change is gonna come. Excited for the next chapter with @RenaultSportF1. Thank you for the kind messages and well wishes I've received. pic.twitter.com/2qpKYYGGvH — Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) August 4, 2018