Red Bull denies Ricciardo post-season test with Renault

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Red Bull Racing won't allow Daniel Ricciardo to drive for Renault, his future team, at the post-season Pirelli tyre test scheduled to take place right after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

New recruits Charles Leclerc and Pierre Gasly will likely both run at Yas Marina, respectively with Ferrari and Red Bull, teams affiliated with their current outfits, while George Russell will probably enjoy a head start with Williams.

Ricciardo to Renault is a no go however for the Aussie.

"I'm not allowed to test," he said in Austin. "I can't drive for Red Bull and they won't let me drive for Renault.

"So it is okay. I can have a holiday."

Ricciardo not worried by his future team's dip in performance

Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner insists that Ricciardo will fulfill his contractual obligations, as a matter of principle.

"I'm not allowed to test," the Australian said in Austin. "I can't drive for Red Bull and they won't let me drive for Renault.

"He's under contract past that date, so he won't be doing the test," Horner told Motorsport.com.

"There was a question, 'Is he available?' It's very clear that he's not, so it's very simple. They just asked what his availability was, and he's not available.

"He's still got obligations to tidy up until the end of his contract."

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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.