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Red Bull plan Daniel Ricciardo talks next year but have 2019 'options'

Red Bull and Ricciardo both waiting on potential of 2018 car; But Horner says team have 'options' to replace Australian

By Matt Morlidge

Last Updated: 26/12/17 7:44am

Christian Horner has planned talks with Daniel Ricciardo over his contract next year
Christian Horner has planned talks with Daniel Ricciardo over his contract next year

Christian Horner says it is Red Bull's "priority" to extend Daniel Ricciardo's contract once they discover the potential of their 2018 car.

But the Red Bull boss has also insisted the team have plenty of options to replace Ricciardo should he decide his future lies elsewhere.

After 10 years in the Red Bull stable, helped through the junior formula before joining the senior outfit in 2014, the Australian is preparing for the "biggest decision" of his career as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

Ricciardo says he will only commit his future once he knows if he has a race and possibly title-winning car, a view Horner understands as the team principal predicts talks in the new year.

Ricciardo on his 'most important' contract
F1 2018: Schedule and dates
The Formula 1 Gossip Column

"We've just come through a long hard season, so the last thing we're going to be doing is getting into the depths of contract discussions," Horner told Sky Sports News' Craig Slater.

"But I think early in the new year, once we've seen how the car's performing, how things are panning out, then it's our priority to make sure that we retain Daniel in the team until at least 2020."

Natalie Pinkham is joined by F1 Broadcaster Will Buxton, The Daily Mail's Jonathan McEvoy and writer for RACER mag Chris Medland to review all the biggest stories from the 2017 F1 season

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Natalie Pinkham is joined by F1 Broadcaster Will Buxton, The Daily Mail's Jonathan McEvoy and writer for RACER mag Chris Medland to review all the biggest stories from the 2017 F1 season
Natalie Pinkham is joined by F1 Broadcaster Will Buxton, The Daily Mail's Jonathan McEvoy and writer for RACER mag Chris Medland to review all the biggest stories from the 2017 F1 season

Though he out-scored Max Verstappen in 2017, Ricciardo was regularly outshone by his team-mate. Verstappen, hailed as a future world champion by Red Bull, has been tied down to a long-term deal.

But Ricciardo, a five-time race winner, doesn't have the same amount of time on his side as he enters the prime years of his career.

"It's a different scenario for Daniel," Horner admitted. "It's the first time he's effectively a free agent.

"It's also a critical time in his career, he's 28 years of age. This next step is going to be crucial for him and we just want to make sure we give him the right car to be able to deliver his potential."

Daniel Ricciardo is entering the final 12 months of his contract
Daniel Ricciardo is entering the final 12 months of his contract

As a consistently quick driver with an infectious personality, Ricciardo wouldn't be short of suitors if he opted against signing a new deal. Horner, however, also believes Red Bull have alternatives.

The Red Bull production line has slowed in recent years, but the team still have Carlos Sainz 'on loan' at Renault and are optimistic about their young drivers coming through the ranks.

"It's always good to have options," Horner added. "We've invested a lot in the young driver programme over the years and we've got some great talent on the programme.

"We're certainly not short of options."

Also See:

  • Ricciardo on his 'most important' deal
  • F1 2018: Schedule and dates
  • The Formula 1 Gossip Column
  • What's on Sky F1 this Christmas?

Sky Sports F1 is the only place to watch every Formula 1 Grand Prix, qualifying and practice session live in 2018. Get Sky Sports F1.

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