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Ricciardo feared Verstappen 'support role'

Ricciardo feared Verstappen 'support role'

Ricciardo feared Verstappen 'support role'

Ricciardo feared Verstappen 'support role'

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believes Daniel Ricciardo opted to leave for Renault as he was concerned that he would be deployed in a support role to Max Verstappen. Ricciardo reneged on a one-year agreement with Red Bull last week to pen a two-year agreement with the French squad.

The Australian had even recorded a video message to announce a new deal with Red Bull, but pulled out at the last minute.

Swapping a team that has helped him to seven grand prix victories for one that has not secured a podium since 2011 is clearly a risk but Horner talked up Ricciardo wanting to "have a leading role, perhaps in a smaller environment".

"Daniel said he decided after a long flight to America that he wanted a change," said Horner on F1's official podcast 'Beyond the Grid'.

"If you look at the rational reasons for that, it's difficult to understand.

"Daniel had his reasons. I think it comes back to wanting to take on, his words, 'a new challenge'.

"But I also feel he sees Max growing and growing in terms of speed and strength and he doesn't want to play a support role I guess, for want of better words.

"It's not that they were treated in any way different. They would have absolute equal status, as they've always had. I can't help but feel that was perhaps a large part of Daniel's decision.

"The competition between him and Max is intense. I think Daniel's just decided the timing is right for him to check out and try something else."

Horner claimed that moving to Renault represents a "massive risk" for Ricciardo, who previously stated his intention was to start 2019 in a certified race-winning car.

"I thought he was winding me up to be honest when he rang me to say 'I'm going to Renault'," Horner added. "I said, 'is this a wind-up for the summer holidays'?

"It then became very clear that was his choice and you have to respect that.

"Renault is a growing team, they are committing resource there. Maybe it's an inspired choice."

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