With the excitement generated by the exceptional recent performances of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, the declining fortunes of the soon to be departed Daniel Ricciardo have almost gone unnoticed. 

Nevertheless, any thoughts that Verstappen has been receiving preferential treatment from the team since Ricciardo announced he will be driving for Renault next year, have been firmly denied by team principal Christian Horner.

Ricciardo, who has been driving for the energy drink outfit for ten years, started the season in tremendous form as he claimed two stunning victories in Shanghai and Monaco.

However, since the news of his departure emerged he has struggled to replicate that form, with a couple of retirements and two sixth-placed finishes being the best he can muster.

In stark contrast, teammate Verstappen has hit the headlines with a string of fine performances and podium finishes in recent races, as he finally looks set to add consistency to his enormous potential. 

Some rumours have swirled in the F1 paddock that Ricciardo's decision to switch to a rival team have led to the Dutch driver being treated as the de facto No 1 within the team. 

Ahead of practice for Sunday's Japanese GP in Suzuka, Horner categorically denied that this was the situation.

When asked if the team’s “emphasis” is now on Verstappen, Horner said: “No, not at all. The emphasis is on getting the best out of both guys.

“At each Grand Prix weekend they get the same opportunity. It’s down to what they do on the track at the end of the day. That will continue to be the case right through until Abu Dhabi.”

Horner said the team’s development focus is now on 2019, but insisted any new parts will continue to be distributed equally between both Red Bull cars.

He added: “We’re looking to learn as much as we can. Daniel still gives us extremely good and accurate feedback. There’s no difference in the way that parts are being allocated.”

The team principal did add that Ricciardo was beginning to become aware of the enormity of leaving a team that he has been associated with for so long,

“He’s in a good space and I think it’s just started to dawn on him that we’re winding down to the end of the year,” Horner said.

“It’s the last time he’ll be driving a Red Bull car in Suzuka. Each race is the last time now and you can see that’s just starting to register [for Ricciardo].”