F1: Daniel Ricciardo gets huge offer to join McLaren

It’s claimed the contract will make him one
of the highest-paid drivers in Formula 1

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McLaren’s reported offer to the Australian is claimed to be $20m
(£15.2m) per season – an amount that would more than triple his
current salary and make him one of the highest-paid drivers in
Formula 1.

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko admits that Ricciardo will
be in demand as his contract with the team expires at the end of
the season. Marko said: “Our Daniel Ricciardo is the king of the
market. McLaren offers him more every week.”

Ahead of this weekend’s French Grand Prix 28-year-old Ricciardo is
fourth in the F1 drivers’ standings and has two victories to
his name this season, in China and Monaco.

Lewis Hamilton is also in talks about a new deal with
Mercedes and Marko adds that Ricciardo may wait to see what happens
with the reigning world champion’s negotiations.

Marko said: “Ricciardo doesn’t want to sign until Hamilton
has signed. It’s a bit strange. Hopefully it ends soon.”

If McLaren do recruit Ricciardo for 2019 could he replace
Fernando Alonso? The two-time world champion revealed last week that he has an “important
decision” to make on his future after the F1 summer break. Spaniard
Alonso is being linked with a move to IndyCar.