Jos Verstappen 'doesn't understand' Ricciardo switch

Jos Verstappen has confessed that he "doesn't understand" why Daniel Ricciardo has decided to change teams from Red Bull to Renault as it is effectively a backwards move, and also rejected the suggestion that his Ricciardo left due to the internal rivalry with Max Verstappen, his son.

Ricciardo has opted to leave Red Bull for Renault, with the move happening for the 2019 Formula One season. Many pundits reckon the Australian is leaving a team worthy of a championship win for a mid-card outfit, and Jos Verstappen agrees.

Initially, Max Verstappen's father insisted that his son and Ricciardo get on well.

"I'm 100% sure of it," Jos replied when asked if they pair could continue to co-exist at Red Bull.

"They get along well. Of course, there is competition in qualifying and the races, but the relationship is very good in my view. That's why I don't understand.

"Switching from a top team to a smaller team - I don't know if that's the right move. I wouldn't have done it."

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The main theory as to why Ricciardo decided to leave Red Bull is that he did not want to be thought of as the secondary driver to Verstappen, who is viewed as Red Bull's golden boy.

However, Jos Verstappen again rejected that notion, saying the team has always, and always will treat their drivers equally.

"They did that in the past and still do," he said of Red Bull's policy.

Verstappen Sr. then gave his opinion on Pierre Gasly's promotion from Toro Rosso to Red Bull to partner Max for 2019, and it seems he agrees with the decision.

"That's how it should be. I think Max is fine with Pierre," Jos concluded.