Red Bull chief Christian Horner is keen to keep Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen with the team until at least 2020.
The Milton Keynes-based outfit have struggled to compete with the likes of Mercedes and Ferrari on a regular basis this term which has led to suggestions their drivers could move on.
Ricciardo’s current deal is set to expire at the end of next season and he has hinted he will look to explore other options if the team fail to provide him with a car capable of challenging at the top of the grid in 2018.
Verstappen, who can be backed at 13.00 to win the USA Grand Prix, is on a similar deal to his Australian team-mate, along with the majority of F1 drivers, who could all be out of contract at the same time.
Reports have suggested that there could be a big shake-up but Horner is keen to see Ricciardo and Verstappen stay on.
Horner said: “Ricciardo is technically out of contract at the end of the 2018 season as he would have completed a five-year contract.
“What is absolutely clear is our intention to retain both of our drivers until 2020.”
Carlos Sainz Jr remains on Red Bull’s books but has been loaned to Renault for the 2018 campaign and Horner admitted they have retained the Spaniard in case any of their preferred drivers decides to make a switch.
He added: “With Carlos I wanted to keep under contract as an option should one of the drivers past year next not be with us.
“The absolute intention is we want Verstappen and Ricciardo in Red Bull Racing cars going forward.”
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