Horner expecting Riccardo deal following Mercedes lock out

Red Bull and Christian Horner are expecting Daniel Ricciardo’s contract to be “straightforward” following the announcement of contract extensions for Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas.

Ricciardo made it very clear from early on that he wants a car capable of winning the world championship. But the Mercedes options have run dry. Ferrari have just one seat open, and that’s looking unlikely to be offered to the Australian.

“I think that now Lewis has triggered that signature, I think the rest of the positions you’ll see cascade through during the next week or so, I don’t think we’re set for any surprises,” Horner told Sky Sports. 

“At the end of the day, we’ve made it clear from the very beginning that we wanted to retain both drivers and that’s what we are very focused on doing, not just for one season but for reasonable longevity.” 

The 29-year-old is entering the peak period of his career. This season he has won races at China and Monaco demonstrating his capability. At one stage he was rumoured to be going to McLaren but that has since gone quiet. 

“Obviously he and his advisors were having a bit of a sniff around, that’s normal and that’s the business in this pitlane. He’s comfortable where he is and I think he’s happy. Hopefully, it should be fairly straightforward now,” Horner added.