Deadline set for Ricciardo & Red Bull engine decisions

Red Bull motorsport advisor Dr Helmut Marko expects decisions over the team's engine supplier and Daniel Ricciardo's future to be decided by the Austrian Grand Prix. Having grown disillusioned with their partnership with Renault, Red Bull have entered talks with Honda about a switch in 2019.

Red Bull won four consecutive drivers' and constructors' titles with Sebastian Vettel powered by Renault between 2010-2013.

Vettel ended the 2013 season with nine consecutive wins, but Red Bull have only added 10 race wins to their tally since then, including Daniel Ricciardo's triumph in Monaco last time out.

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Ricciardo has stated his intention to start 2019 in a race-winning car, with his contract expiring at the end of this season, with Christian Horner admitting that the team's choice of engine partner will be crucial in the Australian's decision.

Toro Rosso's progress since taking the much-maligned Honda power units has been encouraging to a degree, and Marko has suggested that the senior Red Bull team are close to making a decision.

"We're in talks," Marko told Motorsport. "Our internal schedule plans that we want to have a decision on the engine issue by the Grand Prix in Austria. If possible, then also on the driver.

"I'm sure there'll be a decision in Austria. There's not that many possibilities."

Marko hinted earlier this week that Ricciardo was delaying his decision until Lewis Hamilton's Mercedes future was secured, with the world champion yet to put pen to paper on a deal that commits him to F1 beyond 2018.

Silver Arrows non-executive chairman Niki Lauda jibed Marko over the matter, saying Ricciardo was "blackmailing" Red Bull.