No way out of watertight contracts for Red Bull drivers

Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko insisted once again that neither Daniel Ricciardo nor Max Verstappen will be racing with any other team than Red Bull next season.

Pundits still appear to spinning rumors of either driver leaving the Milton Keynes-based outfit, but Marko has stepped up once again to clear the matter once and for all.

"Ricciardo and Verstappen have fixed contracts, Ricciardo for 2018, and Verstappen with some clauses for even much longer," the Austria told Germany's Sport Bild.

Marko also confirmed that Carlos Sainz - another man frequently short-listed by rival teams - was also on a tight leash with the energy drinks company.

"That also applies to Carlos Sainz," said Marko.

"He is also bound to us in the longer team. Until 2019.

"Only we can end contracts -- the drivers cannot."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.