McLaren confirm ‘gentle’ talks with Ricciardo

The reports may be claiming a $20 million contract is on the table but McLaren admit they’ve only had “normal” and “gentle” talks with Daniel Ricciardo about his future.

With Fernando Alonso undecided about where he will be next season and Stoffel Vandoorne failing to set the stage alight, McLaren are looking at other options for next season.

Enter Ricciardo.

The 28-year-old is out of contract with Red Bull at the end of this season and has yet to decide if he wants to remain with the soon-to-be Honda-powered team.

“Obviously we love Daniel, I personally have known him for many, many years. He is doing a good job with Red Bull,” McLaren racing director Eric Boullier told Reuters.

“As long as a driver of that calibre is on the market you look if there is any discussion possible.”

“But,” he added, “at this time of year it’s still too early to talk about our driver line-up for the future, so just a normal, gentle discussion.”