McLaren has tabled a huge offer to Daniel Ricciardo in a bid to lure him away from Red Bull, according to a German media report.
Ricciardo is currently weighing up his options for next season with the Australian out of contract at the end of 2018.
Red Bull has made it clear that it wishes to retain the driver although the Monaco Grand Prix winner has been linked to moves to rivals Mercedes and Ferrari, who could have seats available.
However, Sports Bild is reporting that McLaren has tabled a $20 million-per-year deal in bid to secure Ricciardo in move that would more than triple the Perth driver’s current salary at Red Bull.
McLaren has emerged as a potential home for Ricciardo with the future surrounding Fernando Alonso at the Woking squad uncertain.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has acknowledged that his driver is in high demand in the F1 paddock.
“Our Daniel Ricciardo is the king of the market,” Marko is quoted as saying.
“McLaren offers him more every week.”
However, the report claims that Marko believes Ricciardo would be more likely to join Ferrari or Mercedes should he decide to leave Red Bull.
He has suggested that Ricciardo will wait until Hamilton agrees his new deal with Mercedes before announcing his future plans.
“Ricciardo doesn’t want to sign until Hamilton has signed,” Marko said.
“It’s a bit strange. Hopefully it ends soon.”
Ricciardo, who is fourth in the current championship standings, will be back in action this weekend at the French Grand Prix, held at the Paul Ricard Circuit.
Discussion about this post