Former F1 title winner Niki Lauda has said he doesn't feel that Fernando Alonso is a realistic option for Red Bull for the 2014 F1 season.

Speculation prior to the summer break suggested that Alonso had joined Daniel Ricciardo and Kimi Raikkonen on the shortlist to replace Mark Webber, with his management having held discussions with Christian Horner in Hungary.

Speaking to Auto Motor und Sport however, Lauda said he didn't see Alonso as the right man for Red Bull and said the defending champions could afford to 'take a risk' on Ricciardo as a long-term replacement for Webber when he leaves for Porsche.

"He (Alonso) would only bring trouble to the team," Lauda said. "With probably four world championships in Vettel, Red Bull has the luxury to look at the benefits of Raikkonen or Ricciardo.

"One is the better solution in the short term, the other in the long term. In the end they can take a risk. But not Ferrari."

Lauda did admit however that if Red Bull went for Ricciardo, Ferrari would be wise to re-sign Raikkonen, with rumours having linked the Finn with a return to the team that carried him to the 2007 title.

"If Raikkonen doesn't go to Red Bull, then Ferrari should try to get him on board," he said. "For a counterweight to Alonso.

"After six years without a title, Ferrari is under great pressure."