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Horner: We're losing the best overtaker on the grid

Horner: We're losing the best overtaker on the grid

08-12-2018 10:16
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Bobby Vincent

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner has described the departing Daniel Ricciardo as "the best overtaker on the grid", as the team prepare for life after Ricciardo.

Ricciardo announced in the 2018 season that he'd be joining Renault for 2019, leaving the Formula One world shocked at his decision.

During his last race with the team in Abu Dhabi; Ricciardo was given a guard of honour by the Red Bull crew as he walked from the team accomodation to the garage before the race started.

Horner gave an emotional tribute to one of Red Bull's longest servants on the team radio during the slowing down lap - describing the "good times" they have shared together.

"He's been a pleasure to have in the team the last five years," Horner said to Motorsport.com. "He's been with Red Bull since 2007, and it's been great to see him grow and evolve.

"Ironically, when we were first faced with the dilemma of who do we replace Mark Webber with, there was Jean-Eric Vergne, there was Daniel Ricciardo and there was Kimi Raikkonen

"And our biggest concern about Daniel wasn't his pace, it was he hadn't seen him race wheel-to-wheel while he was in a Toro Rosso. And ever since he got in a Red Bull car he's done nothing but overtake, and arguably he's become the best overtaker in the business. He's driven some fantastic races for us.

"His personality has been a tremendous fit with the brand. His energy in the team has been hugely popular, the dynamics with him and Max (Verstappen), you've only got to look at the mischief they get up to - it's been great."