Red Bull Confirms Ricciardo and Verstappen to Stay Until 2018
Red Bull has secured Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen as its Formula One driver pairing through the end of the 2018 season, shutting down speculation of a change.
Red Bull Racing will keep Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen as its Formula One drivers until at least the end of 2018, with senior management moving to end speculation about a possible change. The decision, confirmed by Dr Helmut Marko, follows reports of interest in Ricciardo from Ferrari and pressure from Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz for a seat.
Ricciardo’s contract extension and pay rise
Multiple international reports, including Italy’s La Gazzetta dello Sport, state that Ricciardo’s contract has been extended for two more seasons. The Australian is set to earn up to €20 million (£15.8 million) over the period, reflecting his status as one of the team’s key assets. Team principal Christian Horner confirmed that any suggestion Ricciardo’s contract was set to expire was incorrect. Helmut Marko told Auto Motor und Sport that “Ricciardo will be with us until 2018, there is no doubt.”
Ricciardo himself has expressed satisfaction with the arrangement, highlighting the positive effect Verstappen’s arrival has had on his own performance. The Dutch teenager, who joined the senior team earlier in 2016 and won on debut in Spain, is also under contract through 2018. Marko praised Verstappen’s maturity and speed, saying he has exceeded expectations since joining the team.
No promotion for Sainz as Red Bull keeps faith in duo
The confirmation leaves Carlos Sainz at Toro Rosso for the foreseeable future, despite the Spaniard’s readiness to step up if a vacancy arose. Sainz had publicly stated he was available should Red Bull need him, but the team’s management has opted for continuity. Red Bull’s driver programme, known for promoting young talent, will not make a change at the senior team until at least 2019.
Red Bull targets Mercedes with settled lineup
With the driver situation resolved, Red Bull is focusing on challenging Mercedes under new technical regulations in 2017. Marko believes the combination of a revised ruleset, expected performance gains from Renault power units, and the Ricciardo-Verstappen pairing puts the team in a strong position. He rated his drivers as the best pairing on the grid, even ahead of Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg, and said both are capable of fighting for the world title over the next two seasons.
Red Bull entered the European Grand Prix third in the constructors’ standings, but with momentum from Verstappen’s win and Ricciardo’s consistent points finishes. The team now looks to build on this stability as it prepares for the 2017 season and beyond.
