Daniel Ricciardo is leaving Red Bull having been “100 per cent broken” by Max Verstappen in 2018, according to Dutch Formula 1 pundit Tom Coronel.
The Australian had the edge over his teammate at the start of the year, winning twice in China and Monaco while Verstappen endured a mistake-filled first six races.
Since Canada, however, Ricciardo has rarely had a look in with pole in Mexico the only time he has out-qualified Max while the 21-year-old has nine podiums and two wins over the same period compared to Daniel’s none.
“Ricciardo is 100 per cent broken by Max,” Coronel told De Telegraaf. “It’s just going to gnaw at you when your teammate is constantly faster, while you have the same equipment, you can see in the data where it is, and you cannot [beat them].
“Then when you know there is someone on this planet that is faster than you, look, you’re no longer a sportsman.”
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The presence of Verstappen is one reason why some feel Ricciardo has taken the bold move to Renault for next season, and while longer-term the French manufacturer has ambitions of wins and championships, Coronel was again very dismissive.
“Renault, let’s be very honest, is just a step back,” he stated.
“They have the same engine as Red Bull, but Red Bull can score and Renault does not, so that means only one thing, and that is that you only go for the money because you know that you only have three to five years to go in F1.”
Emotions are already running at Yas Marina as the ‘Honey Badger’ prepares to end his 10-year association with the Austrian energy drinks giant.
And speaking to The Players Tribune, Ricciardo offered an insight into the relationship he has built over that period.
I really want you all to hear this: I hope everyone understands that Red Bull is so much more than a brand. It’s a family, it’s a statement of what’s possible,” he said.
“I feel incredibly privileged to have driven for Red Bull Racing and been part of the Red Bull family for 10 years.
“They gave me my break, and without Dr. [Helmut] Marko spotting me all those years ago, I don’t think I would have been able to make my way to F1, to my dream job.
“I will remember this team, these great people, this family, forever.”