Daniel Ricciardo has categorically ruled out a move to Ferrari, by insisting he will stay at Red Bull until 2018.
The 26-year old Australian, who has been one of the standout performers in Formula 1 this season, has been linked with a move to the famous Italian constructor.
With Kimi Raikkonen, the eldest driver on the grid, coming towards the end of his grand prix career, Ricciardo was mooted as the natural successor to the Finn.
But speaking on the eve of the Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull’s home race – Ricciardo said: “I can confidently say now that I will still be here in 2017. And I am with Red Bull for a couple of years beyond this one.
“When I was asked in Canada, I said the only reason I would look elsewhere would be to fight for a world title, not appealing to jump ship for something that isn’t better.
“I was very honest when I got asked if I’d had contact and I said I honestly hadn’t. There’s never been any contact but I guess, even if I am under contract, I’m a driver that’s probably considered by some teams.”
A switch to Ferrari would have seen Ricciardo drive alongside former Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel.
Two years ago, Vettel, who had just won four consecutive championships, was comfortably beaten by the Australian in their only season together at Red Bull.
Ricciardo, now in his sixth term in the sport, won three times, while Vettel failed to register a single victory. As such, i t was suggested that Vettel may have acted to block a move by his Ferrari team to sign Ricciardo.
“It’s like a fighter’s record,” Ricciardo explained. “If they lose to someone I think they always want to get that chance again, if they believe they can clear the record.
“I know Seb, and I know he’s confident about himself. He is very driven so if he could get a chance to clear his record I think he would accept it.”
Ricciardo’s commitment to Red Bull will be seen as somewhat of a coup for the British-based team. Indeed, Ferrari, despite their failure to win a drivers’ title in nearly a decade, still hold the allure of being the sport’s greatest team.
“Of course, if you are Ferrari I guess they have got a dilemma in terms of drivers that are available who they would take for next year,” Red Bull team principal Christian Horner said. “But our drivers are not available.
“Daniel is happy with the environment he is in. He believes in the team for the future and I think he sees an opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Spaniard Carlos Sainz has been retained by Red Bull’s junior team Toro Rosso for a third successive campaign.
“We took up his option earlier this week, so he is committed to Red Bull for an extra 12 months,” Horner added.
Read the full story at GRAND PRIX 247
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