Any regular listener to our podcasts – back when we actually did them - will be aware that for a couple of years, editor Balfe warned that he saw no real long-term future for Daniel Ricciardo at Red Bull, and that the Australian would eventually end up in a support role to Max Verstappen much like countryman Mark Webber had endured at the Austrian team with Sebastian Vettel.

Now, speaking to the official F1 website, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has admitted that he believes Ricciardo's switch to Renault was for that very reason.

"I thought he was winding me up to be honest with you," says Horner, referring to the phone call from Ricciardo in which he revealed his intention to leave.

"He rang me to say I'm going to Renault. I said 'You what? Is this a wind-up for the summer holidays?' But it then became very clear that was his choice and you have to respect that. Renault are a growing team, they're committing resource there.

"I think Daniel decided after a long flight to America, he decided he wanted a change," says the Briton. "You look at the rational reasons for that, it's difficult to understand, but Daniel obviously had his reasons.

"I think it comes back to wanting to take on, in his words, a new challenge but I also feel he sees Max growing and growing in terms of speed and strength and he doesn't want to play a support role I guess, for want of a better word, not that they are treated in any way differently.

"They would have equal status, as they have always had," he insists.

"I could understand if it was to Ferrari or Mercedes, but it's an enormous risk at this stage of his career," said the Briton, a claim widely made - including by Pitpass - when Lewis Hamilton left McLaren for Mercedes.

"It's been a bit like trying to convince a girl to go out with you, but she's being pretty reticent. We have bent over backwards to make it happen, but if someone's heart isn't really in it, then...

"We gave Daniel everything he wanted and asked for and it still wasn't enough. We were even prepared to do a one-year agreement so he was available to Ferrari or Mercedes should they come knocking in 12 months' time.

"It wasn't about money or status, commitment or duration. I think he felt 'I need to take something else on in this stage of my career'. It might be an inspired choice, it might one that he regrets."

As previously suggested, Red Bull was taken aback by the Australian's move, and this probably goes some way to confirming that the Austrian outfit chose to steal some of his thunder by breaking the news first.

Whatever, Horner might say, or believe, had he remained at Red Bull, Ricciardo would have been support to Verstappen, just as Webber was to Vettel.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Spindoctor, 12/08/2018 8:37

"Horner has all the credibility of a Donald Trump tweet."

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2. Posted by TedS, 10/08/2018 12:39

"I wish you still did the podcast......"

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3. Posted by F1 Yank, 09/08/2018 19:56

"Well HAM made the right decision moving to Mercedes, but I don't think this will be so with RIC. I do hope there is a well balanced team and Renault are prolific. Red Bull's situation seems to be similar to the Mercedes scenario when ROS left and they brought in Bottas. It would be nice to see four teams fighting it out for the championship than just two. I for one really like the battles going on further down the grid but the broadcasts don't focus on that!!"

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4. Posted by Yeyox02, 09/08/2018 15:57

"When someone has boses like Horner, Marko and Mateschitz it is better to look elsewhere and say goodbye. Not racing for them is the end of the world."

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5. Posted by Peter Rickitt, 09/08/2018 12:21

"Does Horner really think anyone is ever going to believe a word he says ?
One only has to look at the body language between Marko and Verstappen to see who is the 'favoured son' - I do hope Sainz is not dragged back to this unpleasant team.
The Red Bull pronouncements are almost as bad as Zebedee Zak's, but at least they do deliver."

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6. Posted by hussainahm, 09/08/2018 12:13

"I think it will be Gasly at Red Bull in a support role for Verstappen. And Sainz will go to Torro Rosso, Hartley will be out and another Red Bull young driver will be in."

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7. Posted by *TestaRossa*, 09/08/2018 10:42

"Not sure Dani is faster than Hulkenberg and could end up again as number two. At least he gets a bit more money than at Red Bull."

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8. Posted by jcr, 09/08/2018 10:20

"No comment necessary, You said it all. as regards RED BULL.
Unfortunately, driver rating, #1 and #2 is becoming fashionable again.
So racing will suffer again.
Good Luck to Dani."

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9. Posted by habentsen, 09/08/2018 8:59

"I wish Ricciardo all the best. Bold move, just like his overtaking.

@Pitpass: Any chance of more podcasts? They were great fun."

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Horner: Daniel didn't want to play support to Max

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