Horner thought Ricciardo departure 'was joke'

Horner thought Ricciardo departure 'was joke'

Paul Macdonald

Sunday 5 August 2018 16:11

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.

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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