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Felipe Massa says he can understand why Daniel Ricciardo decided to quit Red Bull.
Ricciardo, one of F1's top drivers, is leaving the top three team at the end of the year to join the works Renault project.
Some think the Australian is moving solely for money, and his current boss Christian Horner suspects he might come to regret the decision.
But former F1 driver Massa says he understands.
"Daniel, like the rest of us, doesn't know what will happen with the Honda engines next year," he told Globo.
"He is also not very happy with Max Verstappen. It's a risk, and it may or may not work out."
Meanwhile, Red Bull chief Horner said Fernando Alonso will not be replacing Ricciardo in 2019 because of the "chaos" he brings to F1 teams.
On Twitter, Spaniard Alonso reacted with multiple 'laughing' emojis, and a hashtag that included the words 'Nothanks'.
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C. Sainz jr
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Replies (3)
Login to replymichielhimself
Posts: 132
Yes, it's the same reason why Massa went to Williams, he just didn't know what would happen to the Ferrari engines the next year. Mercedes power was a much more sensible choice.
kngrthr
Posts: 203
honda will be quick next year but will break a lot.
eventually they will get it right.
meanwhile danny ric has made a clean break and i suspect he will use it as a stepping stone to ferrari.
he won't win the championship with Renault next year but he won't with red bull either.
if Renault come good in the next two seasons , he will reap the rewards, if not he will be ideally placed to move to a top team when those seats become free.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Not sure if it's a stepping stone to anywhere. I think he's betting on Renault improving to being an championship contender. I think its a good move all round. Even Redbull will come to see positives out of this move, i like change. The current crop of drivers at the top are too static and too save; no one is willing to take any risks.