Ricciardo decision to trigger driver market chain reaction

Daniel Ricciardo's contract decision is set to set off a chain reaction of driver deals, starting with Carlos Sainz Jr potentially moving from Renault to McLaren. Ricciardo is widely reported to commit to Red Bull, having seen potential interest from Mercedes and Ferrari fizzle out.

Sainz had been earmarked as a likely replacement for Ricciardo, if he had opted to run down his Red Bull deal and depart.

However, the Australian was seemingly not wanted elsewhere, with Mercedes having confirmed Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton as their 2019 line-up, and Kimi Raikkonen now seemingly likely to partner Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari, after the team's new board reportedly cooled on signing Charles Leclerc.

With a Red Bull seat not available to Sainz, he has been linked with a move to McLaren after his loan at Renault ends, with the French team set to bring in Esteban Ocon from Force India, who could have Lance Stroll in their team next year if his father Lawrence opts to invest in the team.

Sainz kept his cards close to his chest at the Hungarian Grand Prix, but confirmed that Ricciardo's decision could kick-start things over the summer break.

"I know pretty much what's going on," Sainz told Sky Sports.

"What I know as a matter of fact is that until Red Bull and Ricciardo don't take a decision and don't do an announcement my future is still uncertain as I still need to be available for Red Bull.

"Until that thing clears it's impossible to say something and when that thing clears I will be the first one to start talking about it.

"My priority is to find a place that I'm comfortable with.

"I've already spoken about a two-year deal. First, my priority is what Red Bull and Ricciardo are doing and then myself together with my management team will find the solution I'm sure."