Ricciardo favourite to replace Mark Webber in Red Bull

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has boosted Australian Daniel Ricciardo’s hopes of beating Finn Kimi Raikkonen to next season’s vacant seat alongside triple world champion German Sebastian Vettel at Red Bull. Mateschitz, who has privately funded the return of the Austrian Grand Prix to the Formula One calendar next year, this week said he was impressed with Toro Rosso driver Ricciardo’s recent performances as he bids to succeed compatriot Mark Webber.

Mateschitz dropped a clear hint on Thursday that Ricciardo is now in pole position to follow Webber following his strong showing in the recent Silverstone test.

‘No decision has been taken yet,’ he said. ‘It is still under discussion within the team but it will be announced after Budapest. Ricciardo did an excellent job at Silverstone and Vergne was good too.’