McLaren closes in on Ricciardo with massive offer!

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McLaren has tabled big bucks for the man of the moment, Daniel Ricciardo, according to a report from Germany's Sports Bild.

The Woking-based outfit is rumored to be offering a $20 million-a-year retainer to the Aussie who has yet to chose his team for next season as he weighs the various options available to him.

"Our Daniel Ricciardo is the king of the market. McLaren offers him more every week," said Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko.

Marko doubts however that the Red Bull Racing stalwart will yield to McLaren hard cash, suggesting a departure from Milton Keynes would likely entail a move to either Ferrari or Mercedes.

Lauda to Marko: 'Ricciardo blackmailed you with Hamilton!'

The Austrian admits the 28-year-old isn't ruling out an opportunity to join the German squad, and will keep lurking in the wings until star driver Lewis Hamilton reveals his plans for 2019.

"Ricciardo doesn’t want to sign until Hamilton has signed," Marko said. "It’s a bit strange. Hopefully it ends soon."

McLaren's offer, if true, suggests that Fernando Alonso will likely close the curtain on his F1 career at the end of the current season and move on to IndyCar's greener pastures.

Financially, dispensing of Alonso's costly services, would allow McLaren to allocate funds to recruit another big name, with Ricciardo's potential $20m deal likely inferior to the Spaniard's current contract with the Woking-based outfit.

A seven-time Grand Prix victor, Daniel Ricciardo has won twice this season, in China and in Monaco, and currently sits fourth in the world championship, 37 points adrift from leader Sebastian Vettel.

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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.