Red Bull seem to have averted a possible post-season crisis, having announced the promotion of Pierre Gasly to race alongside Max Verstappen for the 2019 season.
Gasly's appointment was somewhat forced, with it believed that Carlos Sainz Jr. was the preferred candidate, until he was announced as Fernando Alonso's replacement at McLaren earlier this month.
The Frenchman made his Grand Prix debut in Malaysia in 2017, and continues Toro Rosso's strong status as a feeder for its parent team.
He will partner one of Formulas 1's rising greats Max Verstappen, whose status in the team was rumoured to be the cause of Daniel Ricciardo's departure.
The Australian chose to downgrade by signing with Renault for the upcoming season in what he called 'a fresh start', after an apparent rift with Verstappen, although this was strenuously denied by management.
These allegations have been further quashed by the Dutchman's father Jos, who denied that his son had been prioritised over Ricciardo by the team.
The former Arrows and Honda driver spoke of a good bond between the pair, saying: "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."
He went on to question's Ricciardo's judgement in switching lanes.
"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."
In discussing the move, Jos Verstappen praised Red Bull's policy of internal promotions and further stressed that the side maintains full driver equality at all times.
Despite Ricciardo's departure, he seemed confident for his son's season ahead, saying that he thinks 'Max is fine with Pierre.'
Although the Formula 1 picture now looks clearer for the new season, with the futures of Ricciardo and Sainz resolved, in addition to confirmation of Alonso's retirement, doubt remains over how settled the Red Bull team is.
The somewhat-ceremonious departure of Ricciardo has seen claims of Verstappen's superiority and lack of teamwork linger - from the outside, it certainly seems the 20-year old is treated as a somewhat of a special case by his managers.
The perceived issue of driver inequality will also not be aided by an internal promotion, that will surely see Verstappen start the season as an undisputed No.1
In an era of Hamilton-Vettel domination, the last challenge Red Bull will want to face is a series of internal conflicts
On the flip side, Ricciardo will have the chance to outline himself as one of Formula 1's most talented drivers in his own right, as he moves to a team in need of success and race victories in 2019.