By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief
Daniel Ricciardo has extended his contract with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2018 Formula 1 season.
The Aussie has scored three wins since making the jump from Toro Rosso to Red Bull in 2014, but has just three podiums in the last 28 races.
Ricciardo has questioned the team in recent weeks with strategic errors that have cost him valuable points the past couple of races, including a potential win at Monaco. However, with the current state of F1 and technical changing looming for 2017, Ricciardo believes the team will make a serious push at the title next year.
Despite reports linking the 26-year-old with Ferrari, replacing Kimi Raikkonen and pairing once more with former teammate Sebastian Vettel, Ricciardo admitted he was looking for a long-term commitment.
“The contract was always long term and in a way it was always that length,” Ricciardo said. “But it’s performance based and obviously Helmut (Marko, Red Bull Racing consultant) and the team are happy with what l am doing and happy with me and Max (Verstappen) and want to keep us on board.
“At the moment this looks like being the best place to be. If Mercedes don’t make changes there is nowhere else that looks that attractive. With the rules next year, I think it’s going to be a strong fit and l hope we can really fight for a title in 2017.”
