F1 news: Daniel Ricciardo is driving for his Red Bull future in 2018 - David Croft
DANIEL RICCIARDO is facing a fight to keep hold of his seat at Red Bull.
Max Verstappen: Daniel Ricciardo keeps farting in our hospitality
That’s the verdict of Sky Sports Formula One pundit David Croft, who’s aired his doubts about the Aussie’s supremacy over team-mate Max Verstappen.
Ricciardo won one race in 2017 after turning in a stunning performance at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in June.
By comparison though, Verstappen won two races - both of which came after the summer break in Malaysia and Mexico.
Red Bull have moved to tie Verstappen down until 2020 but the offer of a new contract for Ricciardo has not been tabled yet.
But another driver facing another crucial year for his future in 2018
And Croft has suggested Red Bull might go looking for a new driver at the end of next season if Ricciardo fails to shine.
"He's beaten his team-mate but is that because he's driven better or because Max has had more bad luck?" said Croft, when asked by Sky Sports about Ricciardo’s 2017 campaign.
"At times, Daniel has been sensational and pulled off, without doubt, the best overtaking moves of the year.
Daniel Ricciardo finished fifth in the Formula One drivers' standings this season
Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen have driven together for Red Bull since 2016
"Baku was justifiable reward for his talent.
"But another driver facing another crucial year for his future in 2018."
The 2018 F1 season kicks off in Ricciardo’s homeland on Sunday March 25.