Daniel Ricciardo is still receiving equal treatment at Red Bull despite his impending departure, insists team boss Christian Horner. Ricciardo shocked the paddock in August when he announced he would be stepping down at Red Bull to make a move to Renault for 2019.
Ricciardo has been out out-qualified by teammate Max Verstappen for much of the 2018 season, and is currently 24 points behind the Dutchman in the driver's standings. Last year, Verstappen extended his contract with Red Bull until the end of the 2020 season.
But despite Verstappen being the man it has secured for the future, Horner says that Ricciardo will continue to have equal treatment until the end of the year. Speaking to Sky F1, he said that the emphasis is not on Verstappen for the remainder of the season.
"No, not at all. The emphasis is on getting the best out of both guys. At each Grand Prix weekend they get the same opportunity. It’s down to what they do on the track at the end of the day. That will continue to be the case right through until Abu Dhabi.”
Ricciardo has been a part of the Red Bull programme since 2008 and made his debut for the energy drink team in 2014. Horner says that the 29-year-old remains an integral part of the team who provides strong feedback to help it develop.
“We’re looking to learn as much as we can. Daniel still gives us extremely good and accurate feedback," the Briton said. "There’s no difference in the way that parts are being allocated.”
Replies (10)
Login to replyboudy
Posts: 1,168
The issue was loss of power was it the pu again? If so it's not a lot that Redbull can do about it. Also what has Redbull to gain for not having Ricciardo finish? Nope it's unlucky but he must be getting used to it with the Renault pu. I hope for Ricciardo's sake it's not going to be the same next season but I fear it might.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
If it is, Im taking a shot. If Abiteboullshit comes out refuting it, Im taking another shot. Surprising how good of a drinking game you can make from F1 politics. To mention a few:
-Take a shot when a PU (regardless of make) fail... again
-multiplies by 2 for each of the same make that fails during a race
-Take a shot when Abiteboul blame the engine failure on their customers
-Take a shot when I defend Honda
-Take a shot whenever Hamilton blabber in media
-Take a shot whenever Toto Wolff is Toto Wolff
-Take a shot whenever Ferrari does another strategic dumdum
-Take a shot whenever any of the bigger RB fellas act toxic
-Take two shots whenever Vettel wastes a good opportunity
-Take a shot whenever Mercedes says they are inferior
-Take a shot whenever someone complains about the tyres
-Take a shot whenever Zak Brown changes anything McLaren (be it good or bad)
I miss the rule about Boullier/Dennis overpromising, the Brown one just isnt the same
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
Are you starting with this game at tomorrow's race? Not sure where you are watching, but start is at 7:10 am where I am... You swedes are hardcore
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Ya, its about the same time here in Sweden. I've been doing it aa few times with a mate (whom isnt really into F1, mind) while watching a replay, might do it tomorrow if Im arsed to, but my gut feeling is that I wont. Im really tired this weekend. XD And those were just a few of the rules I remember from the top of my head, I missed a few, and am accepting suggestions on more rules to add. :)
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
I think part of his emotional outburst has something to do with what you fear as well....
blade
Posts: 341
Have to agree - let's hope the development continues in earnest - they know how to build a race engine - but why on earth is it taking so long???? Once DR joins the political pressure inside the team will be increased to perform - he won't be on cheap money and will apply pressure on the team to perform better than they are doing. I just want them to start 2019 brilliantly.
F1_IS_Dead
Posts: 123
Sky F1 - absolute garbage. Why is a highly intelligent man like Mr. Horner even talking to them...
KyalamiKid
Posts: 146
maybe you should play the drinking game with Calle.ITW, that way you might enjoy F1 (and life) a little more...
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yes, join me in jolly cynicism, alcohol and tinfoil hats!
Biggs
Posts: 5
This makes sense to me Max is the number 1 driver for Redbull and they give him the best equipment, mechanics etc. . This is exactly what Mercedes did to Lewis in 2016. What makes it worse is that Daniel is leaving and they don't give a dam because they're not in the fight for the championship.