Daniel Ricciardo says that there is no need to sign a new contract with Red Bull. The Australian's current deal with the team expires at the end of the 2018 season, with some linking him with a move to either Mercedes or Ferrari.

Ricciardo joined Red Bull in 2014 and has since picked up five Grand Prix victories. Last month, Ricciardo's teammate Max Verstappen extended his contract with the energy drink team until the end of 2020, with team principal Christian Horner stating that Ricciardo was next on the agenda.

However, Ricciardo sees no need to rush into things: "I very much doubt I will decide anything in the coming months. First I want to know more about who will have the best car in 2019. I'm not going to pretend that I'm smarter than everyone and have every option at my disposal, but I just think there's enough time."

The Australian is unsure where he will sign his next contract but stated that it is very important for him to remain at a high level: "The most important thing next year is to stay at a high level so that the interest in me also remains high.

"Wherever I sign, it's unlikely it will be a one-year contract," he added. "Perhaps it is that team that will have me at the peak of my career, so that's why I want to make the most of it and not rush."

Red Bull's Dr Helmut Marko was also asked about Ricciardo's situation in Abu Dhabi, saying negotiations will take place at some point in the future: "It was important for us to extend the contract with Max," he told Salzburger Nachrichten newspaper, "and now we will negotiate with Daniel. He is our preferred candidate but we have alternatives."

Fergal Walsh