Daniel Ricciardo has poured cold water on rumours that he might switch teams by confirming that he intends to stay with Red Bull until at least the end of 2018.
Speaking in the official FIA press conference ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Grosser Preis von Osterreich 2016, Ricciardo said he believes Red Bull - whom he joined from sister team Toro Rosso in 2014 - offer him the best chance of world championship success in the future.
“We want to win,” said the Australian. “This year is going to be tough for a world title but obviously where we are this year is where we are. You can’t do anything about that now.
“But looking ahead to next year and spending time with the team and seeing what’s ahead I think it’s the best place to be to try to challenge Mercedes, so that’s where [my decision] stems from.”
Ricciardo’s words come a day after Red Bull confirmed they have taken up an option to extend Carlos Sainz’s contract with Toro Rosso by a further year, with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner suggesting it’s highly likely that both of the energy drink giant’s teams will field unchanged line-ups in 2017.
Ricciardo, a three-time F1 race winner, is currently fifth in the drivers’ standings with 78 points, and has scored one podium finish and one pole position this season.
