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Red Bull 'not short on options' for F1 drivers in the future

Red Bull F1 chief Christian Horner says the team has plenty of driver options moving forward, but is keen to keep both Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo in the long-term.

Red Bull is "not short on options" for its Formula 1 line-up in the future but would prefer to stick with existing drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen in the long term, according to team boss Christian Horner.

After sister team Toro Rosso announced an engine deal with Honda for 2018 last weekend in Singapore, speculation was rife that Red Bull could be set to follow suit for 2019 should existing partner Renault opt to cut ties.

Both Ricciardo and Verstappen are out of contract at the end of next season, and would likely pay close attention to Honda's fortunes with Toro Rosso should Red Bull also make a switch.

Speaking about Red Bull's future driver options, Horner said that while it has plenty of drivers in the mix for a seat, continuity is its preferred option.

"Well, both of our drivers are currently under contract at least for next year and it's down to us to produce a good car, be competitive," Horner said.

"Then of course, why would the drivers want to be anywhere else?

"We're obviously not short of options on drivers but obviously, our preference is absolutely to retain the two that we have in the car at the moment."

Besides Ricciardo and Verstappen, Red Bull also has an option on Carlos Sainz Jr. for 2019, having loaned the Spaniard to Renault for next season.

Zdroj: crash.net