Daniel Ricciardo has revealed he intends to start considering his Red Bull future in April, once he has a gauge of the team’s performance level this season.
The Australian is in the final year of his current contract and this marks the first time he is in control of his own fate after being a part of the Austrian energy drinks giant for much of his career.
Disappointment at the inability to fight for world titles since 2014 and the growing presence of Max Verstappen are leading factors causing the five-time race winner to take his time.
“Nothing has really developed since the end of the season. I switched off from F1,” Ricciardo told Sky Sports updating his situation.
“I think realistically around April things will start to be spoken. After a few races, hopefully, I win the first few and I can have a powerful say in what I do!”
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Alternatives at Mercedes and Ferrari are both potentially on the table, although earlier this week, motorsport boss at the German manufacturer Toto Wolff claimed there would be no rush to approach the 28-year-old.
“Our two drivers, Valtteri and Lewis, we trust them, we empower them and give them all the support,” he also told Sky Sports. “If we were at the start of the season and already entertaining negotiations with other drivers we wouldn’t be giving him the right support.
“We are absolutely behind him (Bottas), as we are with Lewis. We will re-evaluate in the summer.”