Verstappen's father questions Ricciardo move

Max Verstappen's father says he is surprised Daniel Ricciardo decided to leave Red Bull.

Some believe Ricciardo's decision to accept an offer to switch to the works Renault outfit was because Red Bull saw the younger Verstappen as the future.

READ: Ricciardo says no 'bad blood' in Red Bull split

Jos Verstappen rejects that: "I'm 100% sure of it. They get along well. Of course there is competition in qualifying and the races, but the relationship is very good in my view. That's why I don't understand.

"Switching from a top team to a smaller team - I don't know if that's the right move. I wouldn't have done it."

Jos said Red Bull operates a clear policy of driver equality, so that is not the reason Ricciardo would have left.

"They did that in the past and still do," he said.

Max's new team mate for 2019 will be 22-year-old Pierre Gasly, who steps up from the smaller Red Bull team Toro Rosso.

"That's how it should be. I think Max is fine with Pierre," Jos said of Gasly's internal promotion.