Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo has dismissed comments from advisor Helmut Marko about his future with the team.
Marko stated that Red Bull is already considering alternatives to the Australian for 2019 amid uncertainty over Ricciardo’s long-term commitment to the team.
“I’m 100 percent – well 99.999 percent – sure I’ve got a seat with Red Bull Racing next year,” Ricciardo said at Suzuka.
“I guess he’s talking about beyond that, but nothing’s been said between us beyond next, so I guess he’s more stating facts.
“I don’t think he has a plan yet beyond ’18. I should be racing next year.”
These comments come after Marko spoke to German media regarding the future of Ricciardo and the team.
“Verstappen has a longer contract,” Marko told Auto Motor und Sport.
“But Ricciardo is already on the market. We have to look for alternatives. We will not be unprepared.”
This weekend at the Japanese Grand Prix, Ricciardo seeks a podium finish, after his best result previously was fourth in 2014.
After a tough start to the season, Ricciardo has found consistency and is regularly scoring podium finishes.
“I still don’t know why the last few years we’ve had slow starts and then found a way to come back,” said the Australian.
“So I guess the idea is again what we learn.
“I feel I’ve said it every time this year but where we are now this year, you’d think next year we should be competitive.“
