Daniel Ricciardo in talks with Ferrari, but Horner sets decision deadline. Ricciardo revealed last week his will to secure a deal that would be no longer than two years.

It has become pretty clear that Daniel Ricciardo is currently in talks with Scuderia Ferrari regarding his Formula One future, but Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner admitted that the Australian racing drive’s situation must be decided by Formula 1’s summer break. Daniel Ricciardo is rumored to have signed a pre-agreement with the Italian side by which both parties are locked into an exclusive negotiating period until the end of June.

Motorsport Magazine’s Mark Hughes is among those who think the speculation has substance: “There are many different types of contractual options, but this one is said to be on both sides up to a defined date (believed to be June 30). Up until that time, neither party can officially negotiate with another,” reports the astute Hughes. Because the driver is effectively locking himself out of the market for that time, discussions for his post-2018 services are contractually ‘owned’ by the team (in this case Ferrari). As such, he will be paid a fee. Between now and then he and Ferrari can negotiate about a future contract. This is all conventional F1 practice.” adds the Sky Sports F1 analyst. – “Those privy to such matters at Red Bull are adamant that he has definitely signed something, somewhere but it’s not with them and it’s not with Mercedes. Logically, therefore, it must be Ferrari.” – he continues.

While obviously playing his cards close to his chest, Daniel Ricciardo revealed last week his will to secure a deal that would be no longer than two years, given the uncertainty surrounding the sport and its new regulations beyond 2020: “I don’t want to sign anything too long because I don’t know where the sport’s going,” he told The Times – “I think two years I can definitely be comfortable with and then see it from there.”

Red Bull Racing is eager to retain the Honey Badger, but Christian Horner insists the Milton Keynes-based outfit will need to have the matter settled, one way or the other, by August: “There should be a decision by the summer break at the latest. We do not want to wait forever,” Horner told Auto Motor und Sport. We have other good options. Our priority is to continue working with Daniel, but if that doesn’t work out, we’ll look to those other options.

When asked what alternatives Red Bull is considering, Christian Horner explained: “The most obvious is Carlos Sainz. He is under contract to us. And then we have a few young drivers.” – the Red Bull Team Principal concluded.