Ricciardo stays tight-lipped on F1 future

While reports continue to swirl pointing Daniel Ricciardo towards a new deal with Red Bull Racing, the Australian driver has kept his guard up about his future plans ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

Speculation connecting Ricciardo to re-signing with Red Bull has dominated headlines going into the team’s home race in Spielberg but the Australian driver is still keen to assess all his options before making a final call on his Formula 1 future.

Initially Ricciardo had underlined his target to secure a package which he could fight for F1 world titles but with options at both Ferrari and Mercedes appearing to go quiet, Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko feels his team is Ricciardo’s only option.

Reports have also linked both Renault and McLaren to be courting the 28-year-old but he has refused to comment on any negotiations but has repeated a deal will be finalised before F1’s summer break after next month’s Hungarian Grand Prix.

“Of course there has been a bit of interest,” Ricciardo said. “I personally want to get something done ideally before the summer break to go into the break with a clear mind so it feels like a break.

“It was a few years ago when I was making the transition from Toro Rosso to Red Bull that it all happened during the break so it wasn’t a fun August break for me.

“Now Red Bull has committed to Honda so they’ve got all the cards on their table so I know what I am getting there. Things are starting to get to a point where I know what is what and hopefully I’ll have something soon for everyone.”

Ricciardo feels his recent results has ensured “some important boxes which I’ve ticked” thanks to two wins so far in 2018 as he sits third in the F1 drivers’ world championship after the opening eight races.

“This year or since I’ve been with the team the results have shown and a couple of wins including Monaco, there has been some important boxes which I’ve ticked this year which can help me out in discussions,” he said.

“The financial stuff I’ll keep behind closed doors. I’m happy where I am at and what I feel I can bring to the table.”