Red Bull's 2016 F1 prospects rest on form of engine, says Ricciardo

Team boss Christian Horner declared earlier in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend that Red Bull's future was sorted, with the team set to confirm that it will remain with Renault for 2016.

While both Ricciardo and team-mate Daniil Kvyat are pleased Red Bull has made up its mind, the Australian said it is still tough to judge how competitive the team will be next season.



"There's still obviously some question marks about what sort of performance we are going to have underneath us in terms of the engine," Ricciardo said.

"It's obviously nice that we have something in place, and I'm sure the team knows what position we are in.

"I still believe that, if next year was going to be a big flop, we wouldn't be on the grid.

"I would like a more competitive year than this year. That's not a certain yet but it will be in time."

Ricciardo added he'd hoped Red Bull would have been able to resolve its future sooner than on the eve of the final race of the season.

"I did hope that the process would happen quicker," he said.

"There were several times where the deal was nearly done but then it didn't happen.

"The circumstances were interesting and the plan was never for it to be this late.

"I wasn't worried that we wouldn't race but I obviously worried that we would be uncompetitive again."

Kvyat said that while he was pleased the situation was resolved, Red Bull still has work to do to be competitive next year.

"I am relieved, of course," said the Russian.

"As soon as it's been released it's time to work because there are still some inconsistencies.

"In one race I'm happy, in another race I'm not so happy, so we have to get on with the work.

"We are hoping to make a few steps forward. As long as we make them, we are going to be happy."