Could Daniel be a contender to replace Raikkonen at Ferrari?
Monday 13 June 2016 12:11, UK
Daniel Ricciardo has warned Red Bull he will leave the team unless they can deliver a title-contending car.
The Australian's relationship with Red Bull - who last won a title in 2013 - has become strained in recent weeks following victory-denying strategic mistakes in both the Spanish and Monaco grands prix.
Although Red Bull have publicly insisted that Ricciardo is under contract for 2017, the 26-year-old's scintillating recent form has triggered renewed speculation he could replace Kimi Raikkonen at Ferrari.
And having told Sky Sports News that he believes he "deserves a chance to fight for a title", Ricciardo has upped the ante further still ahead of the Canadian GP by warning his sole priority is landing a seat in a championship-challenging car.
"The only interest l have is with a world title. If Red Bull said we cant give you that for the next few years then the only place l would want to go to is somewhere they can say 'yup, you can fight for a world title with us'," Ricciardo told Sky Sports. "That's all that l really want to fight for. I'm not interested in being with someone for an image."
When is the Canadian GP on Sky F1 and how can you watch it?
Were Ricciardo to depart Red Bull, a move to Ferrari would have to confront the complication of the Aussie partnering Sebastian Vettel - a prospect many believe neither the Scuderia nor the German would countenance after Vettel's year alongside Ricciardo at Red Bull ended prematurely as the newcomer claimed intra-team honours.
However, Vettel says he would have no objection to partnering Ricciardo again.
"I raced with him in 2014 and we didn't have any problems. And l knew him before that. But it's not my decision," said Vettel in Montreal.
"I don't mind, he's a strong guy, l like him. He had a good season in 2014, last year and this year has been difficult to judge because you don't know what happens internally, but from what l know he is a good guy."
