Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko is still at a loss to explain Daniel Ricciardo's sudden change of heart when the Aussie did an about-face earlier this month and announced his decision to race with Renault in 2019.
Speaking to Servus TV, the Red Bull-owned television channel, Marko offered some insight into what occurred behind the scenes on the run-up to Ricciardo's surprise turnaround.
“I can not understand the change,” admitted the Austrian.
“That was a very strange story. The negotiations were difficult. On the Wednesday before the Austrian Grand Prix, I sat with him for two hours and we agreed terms.
“In Hungary, he said to both me and Mr. Mateschitz that everything fits, he will sign on Tuesday at the test. He did not do that.
“On Thursday afternoon I got a call. He had sort of a strange voice and I told him 'Get to the point! We are adults'. Then he said: 'I'm going to Renault'. "
It's Marko's impression that Red Bull Racing's decision to dump Renault and work with Honda from next season was a critical point for Ricciardo, along with the likely hefty retainer offered to the Aussie by the French manufacturer.
"I can only assume that he does not believe in the Honda project and that Renault offered him a very high amount. But I think 'shoeys' will be hard for him in the near future!
"He was a total of ten years with Red Bull since his time as junior driver,” added the Austrian.
“He probably needed a change of scene. I can understand if he thinks the neighbour's grass is greener.
“On the other hand, it is a pity too. He is certainly one of the strongest drivers in the field. His overtaking maneuvers were just great.
“The others sometimes don't even notice they've been overtaken. In qualifying, he has not done as well as Max however.”
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