Button puts 'lucky' Ricciardo at Ferrari for 2019!

©WRI

40

Jenson Button says Daniel Ricciardo is "very lucky" to have several good options for 2019, but the 2009 world champion would like to see the Aussie racing in red next season.

Ricciardo is in the last year of his current contract with Red Bull Racing. The Milton Keynes-based outfit wants the 28-year-old to remain on board alongside team mate Max Verstappen, who extended his deal with the team last year.

But Ricciardo is playing his cards close to his chest, determined to take his time before deciding his future.

He recently denied rumors that he had already pledged his allegiance to Ferrari for 2019, but a move to the House of Maranello is still seen as a good probability, and one that is likely greater than a switch to Mercedes.

Red Bull 'will intervene' in future Verstappen/Ricciardo clashes

"I'm guessing he has the opportunity of going to Ferrari, a possibility at Mercedes and Red Bull," Button told Sky Sports News' Craig Slater.

"It's a tough one - those are the top three teams!

"No one really gets that opportunity and he's very lucky to find himself in that situation. He's got to go with his heart and go with a team that feels right for him with the team atmosphere.

"Personally, I'd like to see him in a Ferrari."

Button underlined the need for Ricciardo to get his decision's timing right, a difficult task however given how a team's performance can change from one year to another.

"He doesn't want to make the decision too soon but he also doesn't want to make it too late," he added.

"Then it looks like he's seeing who was most competitive towards the end of the year. Next year is a completely different year and who knows who's going to be competitive?"

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.