Ricciardo wants Silverstone saved

Daniel Ricciardo hopes a deal can be struck to keep Silverstone and the British Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar. Silverstone's contract with F1 will expire in 2019 after a break clause was activated by the circuit's owners over the spiralling costs of hosting the sport.

F1 has visited Silverstone 51 times since the very first World Championship race was held there in 1950, although the famous circuit's long-term prospects look bleak.

Financial losses brought on by the exorbitant contracts agreed under Bernie Ecclestone's reign prompted the BRDC to activate the break clause last year, although Liberty Media has spoken positively about finding a new agreement.

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Silverstone regularly ranks among the drivers' favourite circuits thanks to its fast and flowing corners, as well as its tradition and history, something Ricciardo hopes F1 doesn't lose.

"I definitely want the track to stay on the calendar and I really hope that's the case," Ricciardo said.

"If for some reason it had to be replaced with another English circuit I would say Brands Hatch GP Circuit, that would also be sick in an F1 car.

"Whatever happens, we have to have at least one English race on the calendar."

Red Bull have struggled at the track in recent years as their power deficit to the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari has bitten, however, on the high of a victory in their home race through Max Verstappen, Ricciardo says spirits are high among the team.

"My first ever F1 race was at Silverstone so it's always a special one for me," he said. "I've always loved the circuit, it's high speed, flowing and beautiful.

"Copse is flat and then into Maggots and Becketts is just epic, I'm genuinely so excited about this race. It's going to be, full, full, lift, downshift and back to full, it's going to be sick.

"I don't always love the weather but you win some, you lose some. It also has one of the most loyal and patriotic crowds and the place is rich in motorsport history.

"I had a fun race there last year coming from the back and through the field to fifth, it's always been a pretty happy hunting ground for me.

"I've had a podium there but never a win, I might steal it from Lewis [Hamilton]. He has a pretty good home record but I'll try and get one back on the English, they are doing a bit too well in sport at the moment!"