Red Bull offers Ricciardo no prospects: 'Is a special contract'

Red Bull team advisor Helmut Marko released the news a little too early on Friday in Abu Dhabi that Daniel Ricciardo would return to the team as a reserve driver. That the Australian will return seems almost certain after all. Team boss Christian Horner is already talking about what the tenure is likely to look like.

Ricciardo to Red Bull for special reason and contract

Marko retracted the statement a few hours after his confirmation, raising questions about the possible partnership between the former Red Bull driver and the team. Horner told GPBlog.com at the press conference: "Daniel's contract is very specific for a specific reason. We have a contract with Checo over the next two years. What the partnership of Max and Checo has produced has been phenomenal for us and the five one-two finishes so far this year, the constructors championship that we haven't won for eight years. It's a phenomenal achievement and obviously the combination of both drivers have points contribution. We've got no reason to se that being any different tomorrow."

Horner said two important things in the press conference. Ricciardo, as expected, would start doing more work for the team than just filling the role of reserve driver. Also, Horner is so satisfied with Max Verstappen and Perez that there is no prospect for Ricciardo for a possible return as a first or second driver. "With Checo, we have a two-year contract and he has taken the next step this year. For the duration of their contractual commitment to the team. We made that commitment to Checo earlier in the year."

'If Marko said it...'

On the course of events and Marko's confirmation, Horner says: "Marko has already said it, so obviously we are going to work with Ricciardo. Daniel is a great personality. It's disappointing to see his results this year. I think he could do a lot more. From a marketing technical point of view, a driver with a profile like Ricciardo within the team is only an asset for us."