Ricciardo expects Red Bull confirmation soon: 'Official in next few days'

The deal between Daniel Ricciardo and Red Bull Racing for 2023 seems almost certain. After Helmut Marko put his money where his mouth was, the question was put to Ricciardo as well, and the driver makes little secret about it.

Asked if there is any confusion or disagreement over the contract, Ricciardo replied in the negative. "No confusion. It's close," he said in conversation with Viaplay. "That's the most likely thing that I'll be doing next year in terms of staying involved in Formula 1."

Ricciardo will be sacked by McLaren after this season, leaving him without a permanent F1 seat. However, he will almost certainly start working as a third driver at Red Bull and is not secretive about it. "It's not done yet, but it's getting close. To be honest I don't see why it shouldn't happen."

The 33-year-old Australian does not want to say too much, but it seems talks have been as good as finalized. "Probably in the next few days we can be official, but that's why I don't want to say anything until it's done," Ricciardo hinted. Earlier, ESPN reported that Red Bull has scheduled the official announcement for Sunday.