Pushed on the “larger image”, and whether or not this covers solely RB or Pink Bull’s plans as effectively, Horner continued: “No, this goes past [RB]. It encompasses Pink Bull Racing. Clearly, we’ve bought a contract with Sergio [Perez] for subsequent 12 months, however you’ve at all times bought to have an eye fixed out by way of what comes subsequent.
“Is that going to be Liam? Or do we have to look exterior the pool? Or will one of many different juniors step up within the fullness of time, whether or not it’s [F2 driver] Isack Hadjar or [F3 driver] Arvid Lindblad?”
ANALYSIS: Ricciardo’s F1 profession seems to be to be over – how did it come to this?
Horner went on to pinpoint a “lack of consistency” as the principle motive behind Ricciardo dropping his seat, with little for the 35-year-old to have a good time past P4 in Dash Qualifying and the Dash in Miami, and a run to Q3 and the factors in Canada.
“He began the season roughly, then Miami was a weekend of two halves,” Horner stated. “The Friday and Saturday morning was incredible, it seemed just like the Daniel of outdated defending towards Ferraris, outdriving the automobile. However then the Saturday afternoon and the Sunday have been disastrous.
“Even round [June’s Spanish Grand Prix weekend at] Barcelona, Helmut [Marko, Red Bull advisor] needed him out of the automobile. There was already loads of stress on him there.”
