Red Bull 'had to do something' about Gasly - Ricciardo

Daniel Ricciardo doesn’t believe Red Bull’s decision to demote Pierre Gasly was “unfair” as he reckons the team had to take action due to his poor performances.

After Ricciardo made the surprise move to Renault, Gasly made the step up to Red Bull from Toro Rosso, but it hasn’t worked out for the Frenchman, who has easily been bettered, continuously, by team-mate Max Verstappen in the same car.

The Australian, who was affiliated with Red Bull for years before the Renault move, thinks the decision to dump Gasly was correct.

“To be honest I don’t think it’s unfair,” said Ricciardo ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

“I think they had to do something.

“Nothing against Pierre: I have no issue, I like Pierre as a person. I’m not happy to see him go back to Toro Rosso but I think the reality is Red Bull did give him six months.

“I don’t think there was that much sign of progression or momentum and obviously with Max winning and showing that the car is capable of at least being on the podium I think Red Bull did expect to see that, for now.”

Ricciardo believes the decision should not come as a shock to people as this is the ruthless nature of how Red Bull operate.

“It’s also what, as a Red Bull driver, I’ve experienced in the programme. This is how they are,” he added.

“It’s no surprise that they are expecting this from you and if it doesn’t happen then they’ll move on.

“I don’t want to say it was unexpected as well. I’m sure Pierre probably had some suspicions that maybe something could change.

“It’s just the reality of their programme. It’s obviously a shame for him but I think Red Bull had to do something so now it’s Albon with an opportunity. We’ll see how that goes.”

Alexander Albon is the driver who has replaced Gasly, with the latter moving in the other direction back to Toro Rosso.

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