Horner on Ricciardo's departure: 'I thought he was playing a joke on me'

“The” news of the summer break in Formula 1 has been the announced transfer of Daniel Ricciardo to Renault for two years in 2019 and 2020. For Red Bull, the loss of a driver who has won seven grand prix (after the 2018 Hungarian GP) since 2014 is significant and, above all, unexpected.

“I thought he was playing a joke on me” has explained Christian horner for the Formula 1 podcast. He called me to let me know that he was going to Renault. " What ? I replied. Is this a warning for the start of the holidays? » »

Except that Daniel Ricciardo was completely serious during this telephone interview! “It quickly became clear that it was his decision, and that it had to be respected. Renault is a developing team, which is investing a lot of resources into this transfer”, continues the Red Bull team manager.

A learned communications man, Christian Horner explained in a Formula 1 podcast his vision of things regarding the Australian's future departure. “ I think Daniel chose after a long trip to the United States. You are looking for rational reasons for this option, it's difficult to understand, but Daniel obviously had his reasons. »

According to the Briton, the winner of the Chinese and Monaco Grand Prix this spring refused the risk of being dominated by his teammate Max Verstappen. “I think he's seen Max progress in terms of speed and power in F1 and he doesn't want to play the support role in the team, for lack of a better word, not that they're being treated like different way in the stable. »

Thank you @redbullracing for the last 5 years. Many amazing moments which I'll never forget and be forever grateful for. Still plenty of 2018 left to create more memories and finish strong. pic.twitter.com/jNjnoT0hsj

- Daniel Ricciardo (@danielricciardo) August 4, 2018

Christian Horner assures us, “they would have had an identical status, as has always been the case. » Daniel Ricciardo's French destination? « It's a huge risk at this stage of your career », no more no less ! "I could have understood if it was Ferrari ou Mercedes… ”

Daniel Ricciardo let this contract renewal matter drag on for almost half a year. In December 2017, he already knew that this decision was going to be “the most important of his career”. Some months later, he blurred the lines by mentioning McLaren, before finally admitting half-heartedly that he was going to extend the lease with Red Bull. Before taking everyone by surprise at the beginning of August.

This novel is, according to Christian Horner, the result of a lack of will on the part of the smiling 29-year-old pilot.. “It's a bit like seducing a girl to go out with her, but she's reluctant. We bent over backwards (to extend the contract) but when someone’s heart is elsewhere…”

Now that's what we call road side assistance… #givesyouwings pic.twitter.com/bXX7H7ptoC

- Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) August 7, 2018

For a bit, you would think that Christian Horner is the innocent victim of heartbreak! « We gave Daniel everything he wanted and asked for. Despite this, it was not enough. We had even prepared an agreement for one season, that way he would have been free to go to Ferrari or Mercedes the following year. » This generosity of heart (and business) was not enough to retain the current 5th in the general ranking.

Half sour, half disappointed, Christian Horner thinks that Daniel Ricciardo's attitude “could be an inspired choice, or something he will regret”. Hello, the atmosphere for the return of F1 to Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) at the end of August!