Daniel Ricciardo has admitted he was expecting more interest from Ferrari regarding a possible seat for 2019, as he now looks set to stay at Red Bull.
In recent weeks, speculation has been growing that Sauber driver Charles Leclerc is being lined up to replace Kimi Raikkonen next season, with the Scuderia hinting that the financial impact of having the Australian alongside Sebastian Vettel would be too high.
Given salaries have never really been a problem for Ferrari in the past though, some will wonder if that is cover for Vettel perhaps showing his strength within the team and blocking a move, either way his former Red Bull teammate is surprised.
“I actually thought there would be more interest than there has been from them (Ferrari),” Ricciardo told Motorsport Magazine. “But maybe something has happened or whatever, I don’t know.”
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With Mercedes also expected to re-sign Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, with an announcement expected possibly at the company’s home race in Germany, that leaves the 29-year-old with only McLaren as an apparent alternative.
“It’s probably safe to say that my options are pretty limited,” he acknowledges.
“I don’t think there will be much movement at the top. Mercedes won’t change their drivers and Ferrari, who knows with them?
“I’m obviously leaning toward staying here [at Red Bull] — I expect to have something signed, sealed and delivered by the summer break. It’s definitely getting closer.”
