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SILVERSTONE, England - Red Bull is split as the bosses consider who should replace Mark Webber in 2014, according to the buzz in the Silverstone paddock this past weekend.
The rumour is that while Red Bull principal Christian Horner would like to sign 2007 World champion Kimi Raikkonen, team advisors Dr Helmut Marko would prefer if a Toro Rosso driver - Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Eric Vergne - is pushed into the top team.
'BEST FOR THE TEAM'
Marko told German television RTL on Saturday that the issue will be considered in more detail during the end of season break. "It's not about personal preferences," he insisted. "It must be the best solution for the team."
Not surprisingly, Webber thinks his fellow Australian, Ricciardo, is ready to step up.
"Obviously there are some other hats in the ring, so let's see what happens," Webber told the Melbourne newspaper The Age.
One problem for Ricciardo, however, is that despite having the upper hand over French team mate Vergne earlier in the 2013 season, the Frenchman has looked impressive more recently. "He has lifted his game and I can't turn a blind eye to that and say he got lucky," Ricciardo admitted.
Whatever happens, Ricciardo thinks he will still be in F1 in 2014 - at Red Bull or Toro Rosso.
"I think so, but you always have to be on your game here," he said.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 F1 season – fresh reports every day.
The rumour is that while Red Bull principal Christian Horner would like to sign 2007 World champion Kimi Raikkonen, team advisors Dr Helmut Marko would prefer if a Toro Rosso driver - Daniel Ricciardo or Jean-Eric Vergne - is pushed into the top team.
'BEST FOR THE TEAM'
Marko told German television RTL on Saturday that the issue will be considered in more detail during the end of season break. "It's not about personal preferences," he insisted. "It must be the best solution for the team."
Not surprisingly, Webber thinks his fellow Australian, Ricciardo, is ready to step up.
"Obviously there are some other hats in the ring, so let's see what happens," Webber told the Melbourne newspaper The Age.
One problem for Ricciardo, however, is that despite having the upper hand over French team mate Vergne earlier in the 2013 season, the Frenchman has looked impressive more recently. "He has lifted his game and I can't turn a blind eye to that and say he got lucky," Ricciardo admitted.
Whatever happens, Ricciardo thinks he will still be in F1 in 2014 - at Red Bull or Toro Rosso.
"I think so, but you always have to be on your game here," he said.
Stay with Wheels24 for the 2013 F1 season – fresh reports every day.