Max Verstappen has questioned whether current Red Bull teammate Daniel Ricciardo is making the right move by opting for a “change of scenery” at Renault in 2019.
As the Formula 1 family regathers for the first race after the summer break this weekend in Belgium, it marks the first time since his surprising announcement that the Australian has faced the media over his decision.
Speaking in the press conference on Thursday at Spa-Francorchamps though, Ricciardo insisted there was no ill will involved between himself and his current employer.
“I never said I was unloved [at Red Bull], it was more just the routine, going to the same factory year after year. I felt it made my enjoyment for the sport a bit numb at times,” he claimed.
“To be clear, there was no falling out, no bad blood with anyone in the team, the bosses or anyone. I guess I got to a point where I felt I was ready for a change.
“Ready for a new challenge and for me personally some fresh motivation.”
This is the fifth season Ricciardo has been with the Milton Keynes squad and each year has been the same story of being close to challenging Mercedes and scoring the occasional win but never being good enough to compete for the title.
And with the team switching to Honda engines next year, the 29-year-old does acknowledge some doubts.
“Honda still need to really prove themselves at the front, but there wasn’t one key factor other than really myself and wanting to have a change of scenery, it wasn’t necessarily the engine deal or finances.” the Honey Badger added.
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Even so, Verstappen, a figure some others have stated could have influenced Ricciardo’s decision, still sees Red Bull pushing in the right direction.
“Everybody here wants to win races and win championships. Sometimes you have to be patient and work hard for it. Sometimes you need the whole package to come together,” the Dutchman said.
“I think that is what Red Bull are working on at the moment and I am confident they can deliver a car which is capable of winning every race.
“That’s why it was a little bit of surprise to me to see him [Ricciardo] leaving and the change of scenery? I’m not sure it is the best change of scenery to go to.”
