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Red Bull "not short of options" for 2019

Published on 27 Dec 2017 12:14
13
By: Fergal Walsh

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner says that the energy drink team is not short of options for the 2019 season. While the energy drink squad has secured Max Verstappen beyond the 2018 season, a question mark remains over Daniel Ricciardo.

The Australian is out of contract at the end of next year and has admitted that he is looking forward to making his own decisions regarding his future. He has been linked with a move to Mercedes, but Horner says that Red Bull plans to enter contract talks with the 28-year-old soon.

“We’ve just come through a long hard season, so the last thing we’re going to be doing is getting into the depths of contract discussions,” Horner told Sky Sports. "But I think early in the new year, once we’ve seen how the car’s performing, how things are panning out, then it’s our priority to make sure that we retain Daniel in the team until at least 2020."

Carlos Sainz was released by Toro Rosso late in the 2017 season to join Renault, as Red Bull confirmed that he would be on loan to the French team in 2018. Should Ricciardo depart Red Bull, Horner confirmed the team would not be stuck for a replacement.

"It’s always good to have options,” Horner admitted. "We’ve invested a lot in the young driver programme over the years and we’ve got some great talent on the programme. We’re certainly not short of options."

Fergal Walsh

F1 News Max Verstappen Daniel Ricciardo Renault Mercedes

Replies (13)

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527
No, but having options and having good options can be two very different things. The only good option apart from Ricciardo is Sainz, followed by Kvyat, and you ditched Kvyat. We'll have to see whether Hartley and co really are good in 2018, but from what Marko has said and from what we saw in 2018, RB doesnt seem to sit on anything similar to what they currently have.
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- Dec 27 2017 - 12:38
f1fan0101

Posts: 1,804
Would love to see Ricciardo move to Merc. THen that would allow Sainz to move up. Would be a very good move for the fans!
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- Dec 27 2017 - 13:09
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Ricciardo to Merc? Wont happen. Not when Hamilton is ruling there. I doubt Ferrari is an option, Vettel would likely not allow it.
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  Dec 27 2017 - 14:04
- f1fan0101
  
  Posts: 1,804
  Vettel can't afford to block it. It would heavily damage his reputation. Why not Ricciardo to Merc? I think he and Hamilton would work very well together
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  Dec 27 2017 - 14:28
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Except he does, by making Räikkönen stay he effectively blocks any other candidate from gaining the second Ferrari seat. Hamilton wont allow anyone else in that might threaten him. If he went to Merc, and would start challenging Ham, their relationship would pretty much be as good as comfortable as sticking your hand into a wasp hive.
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  Dec 27 2017 - 15:26
mbmwe36

Posts: 533
Realistically who do they have that can make that jump?
They had to dust off Hartley, making him a 28 year old rookie, and thus far, haven't really been impressive - although it's still too early to tell.

Then they've promoted a driver who's results didn't really warrant it. Thus far unimpressive, but still too early to tell.

Kvyat was tossed to the side, even though there was some talent there.

And... well, that's it then... they may have some junior drivers who are tearing shit up, but they won't be ready for a Red Bull seat in a year.

Of course there is Sainz, but that would leave them with one option, rather that options.

Of established drivers, I can really only see Ocon being on their radar. Maybe Magnussen if he didn't have the charisma of yesterday's newspaper.
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- Dec 27 2017 - 13:24
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  Pretty much my take on it. Red Bull has three drivers to choose from, at least two are looking at other options, one is borrowed to a works team. Ocon would be an excellent choice, IMO, but Mercedes would never allow that move, unless they'd borrow him to them.
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  Dec 27 2017 - 14:06
- mbmwe36
  
  Posts: 533
  Yes, but do you know how long Ocon is signed for? If he's only signed for a couple more years, I could see them perhaps working something out, unless Mercedes would want to promote him - which I don't think Hamilton would be tickled with.
  That's why I have Magnussen as a long shot, because his contract is up at the end of 2018.
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  Dec 27 2017 - 22:18
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  No idea, but knowing Mercedes, they probably have a firm grip on him. I dont really see Magnussen making that move, but who knows?
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  Dec 28 2017 - 16:37
BENNY DONKER

Posts: 1,976
Yes, it's always good to have options, but than again: Sainz certainly is not a good option.
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- Dec 27 2017 - 17:52
boudy

Posts: 1,168
I agree with Benny. For me there are only two drivers deserving the redbull number 1 drive. Sainz is to inconsistent and toxic with interteam communication. I would be looking at the redbull juniors for toro Rosso in 2019. They will offer RIC a similar deal as VER. I can't see him moving to FERRARI or Mercedes before 2020. That's why VER also did deal with Redbull. RIC will come to the same conclusion and considering the cyclical nature of F1 either FERRARI or Redbull will come on top within the next couple of years.
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- Dec 27 2017 - 23:21
kngrthr

Posts: 203
ricciardo wont sign until he sees what engine they are getting
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- Dec 28 2017 - 10:53
- boudy
  
  Posts: 1,168
  If think they already know what engine, the question is the competitiveness of the PU. It's all very hard to predict. They have now reached the 1000hp with an thermal efficiency of 50%. Unless there is a another break through in technology the improvement steps will be small. The engines will converse to a similar power output over the next 2 years. Not sure how F1 will look in 10 years time...
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  Dec 28 2017 - 17:07