Speaking ahead of his team's home Grand Prix, Red Bull motor sport consultant Helmut Marko said that as far as he can see Daniel Ricciardo has no real alternative other than to re-sign for the Milton-Keynes-based outfit next season.

Out of contract this year, Ricciardo's plans for 2019 (and beyond) have been the subject of much speculation.

The Australian, who has said he is seeking a two-year deal before seeing what happens in 2021 when the formula is revised, has been linked with all manner of teams including Ferrari, Mercedes, McLaren and Red Bull.

While Ricciardo has admitted that he is waiting to see what Lewis Hamilton's plans for next year are, the recent announcement that Red Bull will switch from Renault to Honda engines may influence his decision, as might his fear that the team's long-term plans are based around teammate Max Verstappen.

Talking in Spielberg however, Marko suggested that the popular Australian has little option but to stay put.

"Mercedes and Ferrari both have a number one driver who is clearly declared," said the Austrian. "I know Ricciardo did not receive an offer from Ferrari and Renault, as far as I know, will stay with their current drivers.

"Above all, Renault I don't think are in the budget region that Ricciardo has in mind," he added. "He has no sporting alternative to us, even if he probably imagined it differently.

"We want him, to continue, but not at any price."

Ricciardo remains tight-lipped on the matter, merely telling reporters that a decision will come "soon". That said, the Australian doesn't come across as the sort of person who will take too well to being told he essentially has no alternative. Furthermore, a 'surprise' announcement regarding Fernando Alonso's plans could trigger a high-octane game of musical chairs.

Check out our Thursday gallery from Spielberg, here.

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by Ro, 30/06/2018 19:27

"Ricciardo should move. He is better than Verstappen, Certainly not go to McLaren, perhaps Mercedes???
"

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2. Posted by FQITW, 28/06/2018 16:29

"Furthermore, a 'surprise' announcement regarding Fernando Alonso's plans could trigger a high-octane game of musical chairs.

Hmm, I wonder what that might mean?"

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3. Posted by ESTM PRFT, 28/06/2018 16:13

"Wishful Thinking?

Alternatives to staying at Red Bull (Where he would have [and has] #2 status and treatment, would probably not have significantly more money than now, and Honda):

Ferrari - May be his best bet if possible given Kimi's exit. Obstacles are that Sea Bass may resist as he was trounced by the Honey Badger when on the same team previously, he would not be the team lead, and Leclerc, who may be too young for Ferrari.

Mercedes - Another option. Obstacles - Hamiliton has said that Ric coming there is unlikely (Does Ham have a say as part of his contract?), he would not be the team lead, and the non-confrontational manner of Bottas may have the team's favor.

Renault - A realistic option as they are a Factory team, have a known Renault powerplant, have been previous champions (in another time and space), rumored Newey acquisition, he would be the team lead (or at least co-number one with the Hulk), and he would replace Carlos (returning to Red Bull) as an easy driver switch. Makes sense. Obstacles - Would take time for them to work up to the top of the food chain, and flakey Renault management.

McLaren - Unlikely, the only immediate benefit would be money. Ric would need to wait a long time (or forever) to have a winning car plus the management BS currently there.

Others - Force India (not up for a Championship and no money), Williams (not up for a Championship and he's not a pay driver), Toro Rosa (Definitely a step back), and Sauber (Definitely a step back).

The one that hasn't been touted is Haas - Could be some benefits as Disgusting Pants (Gross Jeans) is probably on the outs so Ric could be Team Lead, they have the Ferrari powerplant, and a fairly competitive car at this time. Obstacles - Potentially money and achieving immediate gratification.

So, I feel there are several viable alternatives given that the stars align to some degree. Personally, if I were the Honey Badger, I would try like heck to leave Red Bull so that I was treated well, appreciated, get away from their mind games, and still have a winning car (which they may not have next year with Honda). "

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Marko: Ricciardo has no alternative

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