Verstappen's father disapproves of Ricciardo's Renault move

Jos Verstappen, father of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, has said that Daniel Ricciardo's move to Renault is quite surprising and that it is something he would have never recommended.

The former Formula One driver further denied the possibility of Ricciardo moving out of the team because of Red Bull's reported interest in making junior Verstappen as the face of the team.

"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," Sports24 quoted Jos Verstappen, as saying.

"I'm 100% sure of it. They (Ricciardo and Max Verstappen) 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," he added.

Reflecting on Red Bull's decision to replace Ricciardo with Pierre Gasly, Jos said that it is a good decision as his son and Pierre get along well.

"That's how it should be. I think Max is fine with Pierre," he said.

Earlier this month, Ricciardo had shocked the Formula One racing world by announcing his departure from Red Bull, thus ending his five-year-long association with the team. He has won a total of seven races for the team.