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Daniel Ricciardo now appears certain to be re-signing with Red Bull for 2019 and 2020.
Earlier, the Australian was linked with moves to Ferrari, Mercedes or McLaren, but now it appears as though an announcement about him staying put will be made before the August break.
"It's not on paper yet but soon it will be," Ricciardo said at Silverstone.
He admitted some of the holdup was about finding common ground on Red Bull's engine plans for 2019.
Red Bull has subsequently signed up with Honda.
"I listened to the arguments of the team on this issue -- more than once," he smiled at Silverstone. "They explained all the reasons to me.
"Most important of all, I needed to understand that the contract with Honda was not signed in a fit of emotion, or because the relationship with Renault completely deteriorated.
"I know the team has done all the necessary homework, and Red Bull really believes this is the right move," Ricciardo added.
Ricciardo's teammate Max Verstappen told Corriere della Sera newspaper: "You'll see. Daniel will stay with us."
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (4)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Yeah I dont think this decision was rushed at all. RB has been interested in Honda from the beginning, but was at first in part uninterested due to the significant difference between Renault and Honda, and in part blocked by McLaren. And now they've monitored their progress, and think its a viable move. RB arent stupid. They'd never move to a weaker option just because of principles. They are far too greedy for that.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
Agreed. Redbull would only move if they would see an positive in it.The Honda linkup could be the start of something great. If they had an PU that's on par or better than Mercedes they could really make an push for the WC. Renault might catch up with Mercedes but since they run their own team they would benefit the most. It wouldbe interesting to see where Ricciardo ends up, since he takes his time signing up like Lewis...
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Neither Honda or Renault will catch up to Ferrari and Mercedes in 2019, that much seems certain. But I think Honda will outdevelop Renault. If not in this season, then they will this winter. I think. And honestly, looking at what Red Bull can do with a customer Renault deal, imagine what they can do if Honda were to even get a little closer to the others while also having a smaller engine than Renault.
But I wonder what Red Bull will do for 2019 in terms of oil supply. Will they stick with having Exxon-Mobil for RB and Repsol for STR? Seeing as it seems to be a big advantage to have the same supplier as the works team, you'd think STR will move to Mobil 1 fuel aswell, but that'd likely mean losing out on the Repsol cash.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Also congrats on beating Sweden today in the WC. I'd prefer to see Sweden advance, but England played better, and I dont mind seeing them advance. :)