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Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has warned Daniel Ricciardo that he will only be a number 2 driver if he joins Mercedes or Ferrari in 2019. After Max Verstappen extended his deal with the energy drink team, there is growing speculation that Ricciardo could be on his way out after the 2018 season.
During the United States Grand Prix weekend, Ricciardo stated how much he would like to partner Lewis Hamilton, suggesting that a move to Mercedes could be on the cards. The Brackley squad has tied Valtteri Bottas down on a one-year deal for next season.
However, Horner believes that it would be a bad move for Ricciardo, suggesting that he will only find an equal opportunity to fight for the world championship at Red Bull: "It’s an absolute priority for us to retain the drivers,” he told Sky F1.
"Here, they have equal chance to go for that championship. If he goes to Mercedes or Ferrari he’s just going to be a number two driver. Daniel knows that we want to retain him in the team, and hopefully it won’t take too long to sort that out.”
"This is the best line-up in Formula 1. And this is the best line-up we’ve ever had in Red Bull Racing. The way the team works, the way they represent themselves and push themselves.The respect and relationship is there between the two drivers."
Fergal Walsh
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Replies (6)
Login to replyf1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
No he wouldn't. He's better than Raikkonen or Bottas
Kevin
Posts: 5,343
He could beat Hamilton or Vettel for sure, but would he be allowed to?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Beat Vettel, you say? Not sure. 2014 was a fluke, and I dont find it representative. But no, he would likely not be allowed to, not unless he was to raise a fuzz, and neither Merc or Ferrari want that.
130R
Posts: 5
As much as I like Red Bull, they haven't given DR anything in the form of a competitive car in the last 4 years. Move on son and don't look back. IF you can get a contract guaranteeing parity of equipment with LH, go for it. Hamilton won't know what hit him!
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
Yet, RB talks about "building the team around Verstappen" psst... I think given the right equipment Ricciardo could go head to head with anyone on the grid. I'd love to see him at Mercedes, and see Bottas get axed.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Its a catch 22: no matter where he'd go, he'd still be underappreciated.