22/03/2018
NEWS STORY
One of several drivers out of contract at the end of this year, it's fair to say that Daniel Ricciardo will be one of the most in-demand drivers.
Though Red Bull hopes to retain him, others, most notably Mercedes, are expressing keen interest.
However, assured that Red Bull will not favour teammate Max Verstappen, who signed a new three-year deal last summer, Ricciardo has said that he is not looking to make a decision on his future until he sees how this season is shaping up.
Speaking at today's press conference however, Lewis Hamilton warned the Australian - who could well be his teammate next season - not to risk alienating his current employer as he ponders his future.
"An important thing is to look at the history of drivers, and things that drivers have said in the past, and try not to alienate the team that you're in," said the Briton.
"It's all good and well hoping at some stage to experience something new at another team," he continued. "But there's a lot of people in our teams, and it's really important to keep them encouraged and focussed on you as a driver, to help you achieve your goal.
"And if you look, there are some drivers of recent years who have made bad decisions in upsetting and rocking the boat," he added with a slight grin.
"He's in a great place still, Red Bull I think this year can really have a fighting chance to win the championship. An opinion of where you might want to go if it's not where he currently is may shift."
Asked if he would mind having Ricciardo as a teammate (again), Sebastian Vettel said: "I don't know what he's up to, what he wants or how much he's asking.
"I'm confident he'll find a seat," he continued. "We only shared one year together, which wasn't great for me, it was great for him. We get along, so I wouldn't mind if we get together again in the future."
Check out our Thursday gallery from Melbourne, here.