Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has stated that their new recruit Daniel Ricciardo has done enough to cement his place in the team for the 2015 Formula 1 season.
The Australian replaced veteran Mark Webber at the end of the 2013 season at the Milton Keynes-based outfit after an impressive two-year stint with Red Bull's sister team Torro Rosso.
Ricciardo is on a three-year deal with Red Bull but the 'break clause' in his contract allows the team to replace the driver if necessary, after one season.
There were speculations that the defending champions, who has had a poor campiagn so far this year, are considering changing the line-up for next season, after their junior team driver Alex Lynn won the opening GP3 race at Barcelona.
However, Horner has rubbished the rumours and stressed that the team will keep its current pair Sebastian Vettel and Ricciardo next season as well. The Aussie has done well for the Red Bull team in the first five races by scoring 39 points, with one podium finish in the Spanish Grand Prix.
"I cannot speak highly enough of what Daniel has done in the first five races," Horner pointed out. "He has done a great job this year and he is so calm in the car. He continues to impress us with his speed and his approach.
"He is enjoying what he is doing, and you never see him not smiling. It is a pleasure to have him in the team, and the two guys are working extremely well together."
Horner took a jibe on Ferrari and their reported pursuit of Red Bull's chief technical officer Adrian Newey, by stating that Ricciardo will stay with the team for a long period, unless their Italian rivals are chasing him as well.
"We have always believed in stability and continuity," Horner said. Daniel is on a long-term contract with the team and it will be highly unlikely he will be anywhere else next year - unless of course Ferrari are chasing him as well."
The 40-year-old also added that life in team is a lot more easier, compared to previous seasons, and there is no rift between the drivers this time.
"It is a walk in the park compared to previous years. But that is part of the challenge of being a team boss," he said.
