Red Bull team boss Christian Horner believes the risk of playing a "support role" in the rise of Max Verstappen was a key factor in Daniel Ricciardo's decision to leave.
The Australian surprised the Formula 1 world when it was confirmed he would be departing Milton Keynes and will head down the road to Enstone to join Renault in 2019 and beyond.
Red Bull's decision to end their 12-year partnership with the French manufacturer and team up with Honda was one reason many gave, but increasingly, the role of Verstappen in Ricciardo's thinking is being considered.
"The competition between he and Max is very intense. Max is growing stronger and stronger and I think Daniel’s just decided that the timing is right for him to check out and try something else," he told the Beyond the Grid F1 podcast.
"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 better words.
"Not that they’re in any way treated in any way different. I can’t but feel that was perhaps a large part of Daniel’s decision-making."
Having seen the 29-year-old develop, the Briton admits he has doubts as to whether his potential will be fulfilled by taking the risk on the current midfield team.
"I could understand if it was to Ferrari or Mercedes, but it’s an enormous risk at his stage in his career," Horner said.
"I guess in his mind he’s felt that after five years he feels he needs a new challenge, a new prospectus.
"I think that obviously he’s chosen to join the Renault team, that he feels they’re in the ascendancy.
"He knows the Renault product very well from all the time that he’s spent with us and I can’t help but feel that he wants to be a leading role perhaps in a smaller environment."
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The news was more surprising as all indications and even public comments had suggested a renewal with Red Bull was all-but-certain with the company caving to the Honey Badger's demands.
"We gave Daniel everything he wanted and asked for and it still wasn’t enough," Horner claimed.
"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 be one that he regrets."
