Daniel Ricciardo insists Red Bull 2014 deal not done yet
Daniel Ricciardo insists his switch into Red Bull's Formula 1 squad is not a done deal, and that in his eyes the second seat is still "up for grabs"
The Australian moved into prime position to partner Sebastian Vettel next year after talks between the team and Kimi Raikkonen came to an end earlier this week.
Team boss Christian Horner ruled out Ricciardo's Toro Rosso team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne graduating to the squad in July.
Despite his two rivals on a three-man shortlist therefore now out of contention, Ricciardo insists a switch into Red Bull is no formality.
"I'm not going to assume anything," Ricciardo said. "For me there is still a seat up for grabs.
"Obviously there is a bit of excitement around, [but there is] nothing further to say from what I knew in Budapest.
"I think I've learned that until something is signed, sealed and delivered nothing is ever concrete.
"There's still my team-mate Jean-Eric, who as far as I'm concerned isn't out of the picture, and a lot of other F1 drivers on the grid with pretty good credentials.
"Until something comes from that side [Red Bull], I'm not going to start celebrating or getting my hopes up."
Asked whether he thought he had done enough to convince Red Bull of his worth, Ricciardo said: "They are constantly analysing, and obviously they have some good people watching us. I think they know the raw speed is there.
"We have had some really strong results, but obviously we'd love to put together better Sundays.
"I guess they are maybe giving it a bit more time to assess and make sure the person they put in the car next year is the right choice.
"That's why for me I am not going to rest, not going to get complacent."
Previous article
Lewis Hamilton says too much being made of F1 Hungarian GP win
Next article
Felipe Massa unconcerned about speculation over Ferrari F1 future
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Daniel Ricciardo |
| Teams | Red Bull Racing |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
Starting Grid for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix
F1 Fast Facts: Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
How Verstappen and Hamilton’s Imola clash sets the tone for F1’s 2021 title fight
In Max Verstappen's Formula 1 career to date, he has been cast as the 'pretender', an acknowledged top-line performer without the car to regularly challenge Lewis Hamilton. But that no longer applies in 2021, and the start to the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix was the most telling signal yet of what we can expect from their duel this year
How “overwhelming” McLaren move has given Ricciardo a new verve
Daniel Ricciardo has found a new lease of life at McLaren – a move that’s been years in the making, as he explains to STUART CODLING…
The German legend who raced and beat Nuvolari
Ninety years ago, Rudolf Caracciola became the first non-Italian to win the epic Mille Miglia. We look at how he stacks up to the most famous pre-war ace Tazio Nuvolari, one of the drivers he beat on that day in 1931
How 2021's midfielders have taken lessons from F1's top teams
Formula 1’s latest Imola adventure turned into an expensive trip for many teams due to several crashes throughout the weekend. While balancing the books is an added factor in 2021 with the cost cap, a few midfield teams have cashed in early on development investments
Emilia Romagna Grand Prix Driver Ratings
A frantic wet race at Imola produced plenty of excitement and drama as drivers scrabbled for grip. Amid the hatful of mistakes and incidents that ensued, who kept their noses cleanest?
How the Emilia Romagna GP result hinged on three crucial saves
Rain before the start of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promised to spice up the action, and the race certainly delivered on that. Max Verstappen got the best launch to win from Lewis Hamilton, but both got away with mistakes that could have had serious consequences
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
