Gasly targeting Ricciardo's drive... just in case

©ToroRosso

Pierre Gasly is keeping an eye on Daniel Ricciardo's contract talks, just in case the Aussie decides to call it a day with Red Bull and move on to other pastures.

The next few months will likely prove crucial for Ricciardo's future as he weighs his options for 2019 and the prospect of either staying put or moving on.

Should the Honey Badger decide on the second option, Red Bull would likely promote either Carlos Sainz - currently on loan to Renault - or Toro Rosso's Gasly.

The Frenchman isn't banking on such a scenario playing out but claims he would be up to the task of replacing Ricciardo.

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"Of course! My goal is to fight for the title," said the 22-year-old junior bull.

"I'm a Red Bull driver and I strive to race for the main team, but it's too early to say more about it than that.

"I'm preparing for my first full season in Toro Rosso, so that's my main task," he added.

Red Bull's Christian Horner is confident in the team's ability to retain Ricciardo alongside Max Verstappen for the coming seasons, but he also insisted he wouldn't keep the door open to his driver forever.

"We are relatively relaxed because we have got some great options available to us. We want people and we want drivers that want to be in the team, "said Horner in Melbourne.

"It doesn't feel right to have to go and force an issue, or to force a decision. Daniel knows what the position of the team is. We want to continue with him.

"The door is open but it won't stay open forever. There will come a point in time that it is: 'okay, it is either get off the fence or we will have to take up own options."

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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.