F1: Red Bull sure it will keep Ricciardo

Red Bull says that Daniel Ricciardo has already done enough to leave no doubts that he will be kept on for the 2015 Formula 1 world championship season.

Although Ricciardo was originally signed to a three-year deal, F1 teams often ensure there are break clauses in deals to allow potential for a change of plan if a new driver does not come up to scratch. But with the Australian youngster having done so well against Sebastian Vettel in the first five races, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner says that the team fully expects to keep the same driver lineup in 2015.

"We have always believed in stability and continuity," he said. "Daniel is on a long-term contract with the team and it will be highly unlikely he will be anywhere else next year – unless of course Ferrari are chasing him as well."

Horner says that as well as being so impressive in the car, Ricciardo's attitude out of it has gone down well with both him and Vettel.

"He has done a great job this year and he is so calm in the car," he said. "He continues to impress us with his speed and his approach.

"He is enjoying what he is doing, and you never see him not smiling. It is a pleasure to have him in the team, and the two guys are working extremely well together. I cannot speak highly enough of what Daniel has done in the first five races."

And after the frictions that had developed between Vettel and previous team-mate Mark Webber, Horner says that managing his drivers is much easier now.

"It is a walk in the park compared to previous years," he said. "But that is part of the challenge of being a team boss."