Ricciardo: Verstappen deal surprising, but reflects confidence

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Daniel Ricciardo believes that Max Verstappen's new three-year contract with Red Bull reflects confidence and is positive for the team.

Red Bull Racing has secured the services of the young Dutch prodigy until the end of 2020, putting to rest any fears Verstappen could move to a rival outfit at the end of next season.

While surprised by the timing of his team mate's new deal, Ricciardo believes it reflects a confidence which bodes well for the future.

"I know obviously that Max is happy in the team, so I'm not surprised that he wants to stay with the team," Ricciardo commented.

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"I guess the announcement was quite early. I think the timing was the only real surprise."

"For Max, the positive is he and I guess his team, his management and his dad [Jos], feel confident with Red Bull, so it's positive for us for next year and it gives the team confidence.

"A bit surprised it came this early, but otherwise not surprised his decision is to stay because I know he's happy with the team."

The Aussie insisted however that Verstappen's re-signing shouldn't lead to speculation about his own future with the Milton Keynes outfit, as he considers that, with regard to his future, it's still early days.

"It's not that I've said no to anything, it's just still quite early I think," he said.

"People talked about contracts and the silly season for next year but it is still quite early.

Ricciardo added that he wasn't bothered by the media polarizing its attention on sensational his team mate, believing it's just all part of the well deserved hype.

"As far as media goes, he certainly gets a lot of attention, not that I'm trying to take that away, that's just how it works," he commented.

"He's broken a lot of records for his age and things like that so... rightly so.

"Take the media [attention] out of it, as far as what's happening inside the team, new parts on the car, things like this there has always been equality. I have no concern on that."

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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.