Verstappen pleased with new Ricciardo replacement

With Daniel Ricciardo off to Renault for the 2019 season, Red Bull Racing announced the signing of Toro Rosso man Pierre Gasly - and Max Verstappen is pleased with his new team-mate.

Verstappen has admitted he still cannot understand Ricciardo's decision to leave Red Bull to join Renault, in what many are seeing as a 'step-down'; especially when you look at the constructors' standings.

"He had already committed to Dietrich Mateschitz, the big boss of Red Bull, so I didn't understand that (leaving)," the 21-year-old said to Formule 1. "Nobody in the team understands it.

"But I never talked to him about it - it's not my problem."

Ricciardo could have been influenced by Red Bull's focus that is heavily on Verstappen nowadays and wanted to feel more attention from Renault.

Verstappen has hinted that he may have had some influence on the team's choice to promote Gasly from Toro Rosso.

"In the end, it's not about me saying yes or no. That's not my decision," Verstappen added. "But I clearly told them what will work and what will not work. I am not going to mention names, but I am glad that Pierre Gasly is coming.

"He is very nice and very fast, but I am afraid of no one. I fear no one."