Daniel Ricciardo is certain a new deal with Red Bull will be done and made official by the Belgian Grand Prix later this month.
The Australian’s future has been one of the most closely followed stories of the year with speculation of moves elsewhere, however, after Mercedes confirmed their line-up in Germany and Ferrari ruled out signing him, staying put has been the most likely conclusion.
“It’ll definitely be done by Spa,” he said after completing a day behind the wheel of his Red Bull at the post-Hungarian GP test on Tuesday.
“Whether it gets announced over the break or at Spa [I’m not sure], but it’s just a little bit of fine-tuning. It’s all good. You will hear something soon I’m sure.”
There were expectations it would be made official in Budapest but Ricciardo later admitted that was just an attempt to stop the questions.
Also Read:
- Ricciardo ready for summer after finishing “on a high” in Hungary
- Red Bull believe Ricciardo deal a formality after Hamilton announcement
The main factor the 29-year-old has been considering is whether the decision to use Honda engine in 2019 and beyond will allow Red Bull to remain competitive.
Pierre Gasly’s sixth place in Hungary for Toro Rosso was a positive in that regard while Daniel’s teammate Max Verstappen retired with another Renault problem.
