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Ricciardo had already recorded Red Bull renewal announcement video

13:34, 24 Aug 2018

byNicolás Quarles van Ufford

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has revealed that Daniel Ricciardo was very close to staying at Red Bull Racing for the coming two years, as the Aussie had even recorded a video announcing his renewal.

Ricciardo surprised everyone in the world of Formula One when he announced his departure from Red Bull to join Renault next season, even Horner. He revealed that he thought it was a joke at first, and it took him some time to realize the Aussie was serious about leaving.

“I thought he was winding me up,” Horner told Sky Sports F1 in an interview.

“I thought it was a joke for the summer holidays.

“I was expecting the paperwork to be signed and he had even recorded a message to announce his renewal.

“The third time he told me [he was leaving] I knew it was for real and you just have to wish him well."

Ricciardo, who made the step up to Red Bull back in 2014 after two years at Toro Rosso to partner up with Sebastian Vettel. He went on to win seven races in his time at the Bulls, his latest one being in Monaco, where he won his second race of the season.

“He has been a great, great driver within our team and it will be disappointing to see him leave,” Horner concluded.

The Aussie will be replaced by Pierre Gasly next season, even though the young Frenchman doesn't even have a full season of F1 under his belt yet. He came in at Toro Rosso last season for the last four races of the 2017-season along with Brendon Hartley, but the 22-year-old will have to fill the shoes of Ricciardo already in 2019.