Pushed on the “greater image”, and whether or not this covers solely RB or Crimson Bull’s plans as effectively, Horner continued: “No, this goes past [RB]. It encompasses Crimson Bull Racing. Clearly, we’ve obtained a contract with Sergio [Perez] for subsequent yr, however you’ve all the time obtained to have a watch out when it comes to what comes subsequent.
“Is that going to be Liam? Or do we have to look exterior the pool? Or will one of many different juniors step up within the fullness of time, whether or not it’s [F2 driver] Isack Hadjar or [F3 driver] Arvid Lindblad?”
ANALYSIS: Ricciardo’s F1 profession seems to be to be over – how did it come to this?
Horner went on to pinpoint a “lack of consistency” as the principle cause behind Ricciardo dropping his seat, with little for the 35-year-old to have fun past P4 in Dash Qualifying and the Dash in Miami, and a run to Q3 and the factors in Canada.
“He began the season roughly, then Miami was a weekend of two halves,” Horner mentioned. “The Friday and Saturday morning was incredible, it appeared just like the Daniel of previous defending in opposition to Ferraris, outdriving the automobile. However then the Saturday afternoon and the Sunday have been disastrous.
“Even round [June’s Spanish Grand Prix weekend at] Barcelona, Helmut [Marko, Red Bull advisor] wished him out of the automobile. There was already plenty of stress on him there.”
