Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has revealed that the Milton Keynes-based team already have a possible replacement lined up should Daniel Ricciardo leave at the end of the season: Carlos Sainz Jr.
The Aussie has an expiring contract, and has said that he's weighing his options before committing anywhere long-term. He'll see how the first few races of the year go to see where his current team Red Bull are at, and if he thinks the team can satisfy his needs for the coming seasons.
Should the 28-year-old leave, Carlos Sainz Jr. will be among the candidates to take his seat, Christian Horner has revealed.
"Our intention is to have him [Ricciardo] on the team in the future," he told CNN.
"If that isn't possible, however, we have some good drivers on the youth programme. Besides, even though he's at Renault now, we still have Carlos Sainz under contract."
A wild card for Red Bull could also be Lewis Hamilton, who has yet to commit long-term with his current team Mercedes, even though it seems very unlikely the reigning champion will switch teams.
"Lewis' contract also expires at the end of the year," Horner explained. "It's very hard to see him actually leaving Mercedes, but never say never."
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