Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner says he would be surprised if Daniel Ricciardo was to leave the operation at the end of the current season.
Ricciardo is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and it is thought unlikely that current potential openings at either Mercedes and Ferrari would be filled by the Australian.
Ricciardo explained at Paul Ricard on Thursday that he needed time to understand the nuances of the Red Bull-Honda deal, which was announced earlier in the week.
Ricciardo also hinted that he would be open to the idea of switching to McLaren or Renault, should there be a viable project, citing Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join Mercedes in 2013.
Horner, though, reckons Ricciardo will commit his future to Red Bull, casting doubt over the possible alternatives for the 28-year-old.
“Look, the situation with Daniel, I think that there is an intent from both sides to move forward,” Horner explained.
“The first thing was to close the situation with the engine. That has now been done.
“Daniel understands the rationale, the engineering rationale, behind that.
“Let’s not forget that he has been in a car that in the last couple of grands prix has been lapping the cars to our left [Renault].
“So it would be a fairly bold decision to step out of a car that he has won two grands prix in this year as a championship contender.
“I would be surprised if he was to leave, because it’s a good fit between himself and Red Bull, but it is Formula 1.”
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