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Christian Horner thinks Daniel Ricciardo should re-commit to Red Bull for the future. The Australian, who commandingly won in China, is out of contract at the end of the year and linked with potential moves to Mercedes or Ferrari.
He said serious contract talks about 2019 haven't started, but grinned that Shanghai - where his high-profile teammate Max Verstappen also struggled - "hasn't hurt my position". 2016 world champion Nico Rosberg thinks Ricciardo should talk to Ferrari.
"I remember hating having him behind me in the races," the German said in China. "If I was him, I'd go to Ferrari. It's the best car at the moment and he knows he can beat Sebastian," Rosberg is quoted by Auto Bild.
Others aren't so sure. That's because while Kimi Raikkonen is in good form so far this year, Ferrari may in fact be tactically favouring Sebastian Vettel in the races. Referring to the strategy in China, Red Bull boss Horner told Ilta Sanomat newspaper: "If you look at Kimi's competition, I really couldn't understand the tactic."
And so he thinks staying at Red Bull would be a better career move for Ricciardo. "I think Daniel's happy where he is at this time. If we can continue to give him a car as we did at this race, why should he go somewhere else?" Horner said.
"He's become a well-rounded professional and I think his form peaked already two years ago actually. He has both experience and speed -- a great combination. I think compared to Max, who is still very young and gaining experience, Daniel is at another stage in his career," Horner added.
Indeed, speaking after the Chinese grand prix, where Verstappen made high profile errors, another Red Bull boss Dr Helmut Marko insisted: "Daniel was flawless. You can see who can overtake and who cannot. Max was too impetuous," he told Austrian broadcaster ORF. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
C. Sainz jr
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Replies (9)
Login to replyBoneka
Posts: 149
Riiciardo nee to realize he is abouve 25 and time to move on, Horner only thinks for himself drop Redbull Daniel and go to Ferrari or Mercedes
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I believe Horner actually respects and truly values Daniel's talent. The problem is that people like Helmut Marko, and Dietrich to some extent, have this stupid Ferrari-like mindset of favouring one chosen driver. It was like that with Vettel and it is now like that with Verstappen. That being said, I think so far we haven't had any favouritism in terms of equipment (like Vettel had), but they haven't been fighting for championships either.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
would he? RB is not going to win any championship with Renault/Honda engines.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
They are sorta in a catch situation, where none of the options are title winning stuff.
krommenaas
Posts: 155
If Ferrari or Mercedes offer him a contract and equal status with Seb/Lewis, he'd be crazy to stay at Red Bull. Unless Renault suddenly have a breakthrough. Maybe he should way for the spec 2 just to be sure.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Ricciardo should serve himself first and foremost.
f1ski
Posts: 726
vettel and ricciardo at ferrari will be like hamilton and rosberg if ferrari has a winning car
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Likely, but not surefire. Remember, Vettel isnt Hammy. He mostly dont weaponize press, and while he is very Schumiesque and dominant against his colleagues, he doesnt play Hammy's kind of games.
xoya
Posts: 583
No he shouldn't. He should sign a contract with someone who can bring him a title.