Red Bull give deadline to Daniel Ricciardo for contract extension, name possible replacement too

Red Bull and Ricciardo find themselves in a very itchy situation with respect to the Australian’s contract negotiation, as Red Bull’s rivals seem to be ready to jump on Ricciardo, if he rejects a contract renewal with Red Bull.

Red Bull’s package does provide Ricciardo with the opportunity to win his maiden F1 title as was visible from what transpired at the Chinese GP.

However, Red Bull are not keen on waiting until the end of the season to secure Ricciardo’s signature, and have given him a deadline to make up his mind about his contract renewal.

“There should be a decision by the summer break at the latest,” said Christian Horner, as reported by Auto Motor Und Sport. 

Horner has revealed that Red Bull have already identified options to replace Ricciardo.

“We do not want to wait forever. We have other good options.

“Our priority is to continue working with Daniel. If that does not work we’ll look at the other options.” he said.

Carlos Sainz has emerged as the most obvious choice for Red Bull, as he is already under contract with them.

“The most obvious is Carlos Sainz,” Horner said.

“He is under contract with us.

“And then there are a few young drivers.” he added.

Ricciardo’s contract demands are a bit high, as he wants a £36 million two year contract, something that Ferrari and Mercedes might not want pay for their number 2 driver.

For Red Bull too the contract demands could prove to be to high, but that is a decision that need to make and quickly or they could end losing Ricciardo for good.