Horner plays down Ricciardo exit suggestions

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has questioned why Daniel Ricciardo would want to leave the team at the end of the season if they can continue to provide him with a car capable of Grand Prix victories, much like the win he gained in China on Sunday.

Ricciardo's contract expires at the end of the current season and there has been increased speculation that he could jump ship to either Mercedes or Ferrari in the search of a new deal for 2019.

Horner has admitted that he does not know why his driver would want to leave if Red Bull can provide him a vehicle capable of competing for the world championship.

"If we can give him a car like we did today, why would he want to be anywhere else?" said the Red Bull team principal.

"He's a very rounded driver now. He's absolutely at the top of his game and I think he has been for the last couple of years.

"He's hit that balance of experience and pace. He's one of the best overtakers in the business and his judgement is impeccable in terms of judging a gap, getting the car stopped and getting it rotated.

"I feel he's in a different part of his career to where Max [Verstappen] is at the moment, who is still very young and fresh and going through that experience."

Ferrari has been mentioned as a potential destination for Ricciardo, but Horner has pointed to Kimi Raikkonen's alleged unhappiness at playing second-fiddle to Sebastian Vettel as a reason for the Australian to stay put.

"If you look at Kimi's race, I didn't understand that strategy," added Horner. "I think Daniel's happy in the environment."

Former F1 champion Nico Rosberg has urged Ricciardo to join Ferrari, however.

"Where would I drive if I was Daniel Ricciardo?" Rosberg mused on Sky Sports.

"I would go to Ferrari because he knows he can beat Vettel, and they have the best car at the moment."