Lewis: Daniel to stay a Red

LEWIS HAMILTON thinks Daniel Ricciardo’s route out of Red Bull will be blocked.

Australian Ricciardo (below) has been linked with a move to Mercedes or Ferrari when his contract expires at the end of the season.

But Hamilton expects Mercedes to offer his current team-mate Valtteri Bottas a new deal and thinks Ferrari will keep Kimi Raikkonen.

“I would imagine Daniel’s future is at Red Bull,” said Hamilton.

“He is one of the top drivers. I am sure there will be options for him, and it is only Ferrari and Mercedes among the top teams that he could consider.

“But currently here at this team that is unlikely.

“I imagine at Ferrari that Kimi will want to continue, too. He is driving really well and doesn’t seem to be ageing so I think he’ll go on a bit longer.” Ricciardo produced a stunning drive to take victory in Monaco on Sunday, despite an engine fault that reduced its power by 25 per cent. Some smart strategy also saw Ricciardo win in China, but he has made it clear he wants to be in a car capable of challenging for the world title. It remains to be seen whether Red Bull can provide him with that, especially as there is uncertainty over who will be supplying their engines next season. He is also paid a lot less than team-mate Max Verstappen, who signed a deal worth £12m a season last year.