Ricciardo left Red Bull because of Verstappen - Toro Rosso boss

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

Lewis Hamilton to get 'all-new chassis' for Dutch Grand Prix as Ferrari step up F1 title bid

• 54 minutes ago

Power ranking F1's best TV commentators and pundits for 2026

• 1 hour ago

‘Is he retiring?’ - Max Verstappen unveils special helmet for ‘last home race’ and F1 fans panic

• 2 hours ago

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton gets title boost as ex-FIA steward addresses accusations of bias

• Today 16:00

F1 champion lost his seat after winning world title and says Michael Schumacher's influence played a role

• Today 15:30

Lightning McQueen set for grand prix debut as F1 confirm 'significant' Disney deal

• Today 13:57