Ricciardo hints at staying put after Honda deal

SPIELBERG ( Austria): Daniel Ricciardo hinted that Red Bull’s switch to Honda engines in 2019 might bring him closer to extending his contract with the Formula One team.

With his contract expiring at the end of the year, the Australian driver has been at the centre of speculation for weeks, with Mercedes, Ferrari and McLaren reportedly showing interest in signing the seven-time Grand Prix winner.

But his current employer recently confirmed their long anticipated break-up with engine-maker Renault, which could ease decision-making for Ricciardo.

“(Red Bull) have committed to Honda, so they’ve kind of got all the cards on the table, so I know what I’m getting there,” Ricciardo said. “Things are starting to get to a point where I know what’s what.”

While Ricciardo refrained from giving his opinion on the Honda deal last week, he said “I see the pros with the decision” as it would mean “obviously, the chance to start something new with Honda.”

The 12-year relationship between Red Bull and Renault became increasingly strained in recent seasons, after they had racked up four straight drivers’ and constructors’ championship with Sebastian Vettel from 2010-13.

Red Bull have won just 10 races since the start of the 2014 season, when Ricciardo joined the team. — AP