How many questions have been asked in this room on behalf of "my friend"? You didn't mention the opinion of anyone of the rest of team. Could just be your impression only? Or even the team is made of only two, the capable loner, and the incapable nice newcomer (you)? If I'm the boss, I care most whether the job be done. In this case, whether you are the nice newcomer or not, you are the one breaks the cover and ask for a breakup of the team, so you have to be the one to go.
Reality is harsh so is honest.
