close global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

  • NL
  • GB
  • IT
  • ES-MX
  • US
  • GB

Are you a F1 Fan? Follow GP Fans

Edition

NL GB IT ES-MX US

Ricciardo left Red Bull because of Verstappen - Toro Rosso boss

Photo: © LAT Images

Ricciardo left Red Bull because of Verstappen - Toro Rosso boss

Franz Tost praises the Dutchman.

Toro Rosso team principal and Max Verstappen’s former boss, Franz Tost, believes the presence and improvement of the Dutchman at Red Bull was ultimately the reason why Daniel Ricciardo opted to leave the team in favour of Renault last year.

F1's slow death proves change is needed nowRead more

Verstappen is viewed as one of the most talented drivers on the grid and a future world champion, with Red Bull reportedly considering him as their main driver on the grid ahead of Ricciardo.

Tost reckons Verstappen was so impressive that Ricciardo thought he could have better luck elsewhere.

"Max is currently one of the fastest drivers,” the Toro Rosso boss told Motorsport.com.

“I think one reason why Ricciardo left was certainly Max. Because he thought to himself: 'I won't beat him so easily anymore’."

The Austrian believes Verstappen is getting better and better, and part of the reason for that is his increased maturity on the track, compared to his aggressive nature in recent years.

“He realised that he doesn't always have to go through the wall with his head,” Tost said.

“Now he's reached a level where he'll compete for victories and the world championship if everything comes together.

"He also showed super overtaking manoeuvres where you didn't get the impression that it was on a knife's edge. He really has this maturity now that makes it possible for a driver to compete for a world championship.”

The 21-year-old is currently third in the driver’s championship for 2019.

Related

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

How Lewis Hamilton spent break with A-list star

How Lewis Hamilton spent break with A-list star

  • 2 hours ago
What $50 and $28,000 F1 tickets will get you at the Las Vegas GP

What $50 and $28,000 F1 tickets will get you at the Las Vegas GP

  • 3 hours ago
Kimi Antonelli dividing a nation as older generation fall in love with F1 star

Kimi Antonelli dividing a nation as older generation fall in love with F1 star

  • Yesterday 20:54
Max Verstappen gives update over Nurburgring return after shock disqualification

Max Verstappen gives update over Nurburgring return after shock disqualification

  • Yesterday 19:55
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari to receive power unit 'boost' in Barcelona

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari to receive power unit 'boost' in Barcelona

  • Yesterday 18:55
Mercedes partner will team up with Max Verstappen as £23million deal announced

Mercedes partner will team up with Max Verstappen as £23million deal announced

  • Yesterday 17:42

Just in

31-3
How Lewis Hamilton spent break with A-list star
31-3
What $50 and $28,000 F1 tickets will get you at the Las Vegas GP
31-3
Kimi Antonelli dividing a nation as older generation fall in love with F1 star
31-3
Max Verstappen gives update over Nurburgring return after shock disqualification
31-3
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari to receive power unit 'boost' in Barcelona
F1 news

Recommended by the editors

How Lewis Hamilton spent break with A-list star Lewis Hamilton

How Lewis Hamilton spent break with A-list star

2 hours ago
What $50 and $28,000 F1 tickets will get you at the Las Vegas GP Las Vegas Grand Prix

What $50 and $28,000 F1 tickets will get you at the Las Vegas GP

3 hours ago
Kimi Antonelli dividing a nation as older generation fall in love with F1 star Kimi Antonelli

Kimi Antonelli dividing a nation as older generation fall in love with F1 star

Yesterday 20:54
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari to receive power unit 'boost' in Barcelona Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari to receive power unit 'boost' in Barcelona

Yesterday 18:55
Ontdek het op Google Play
x