Ricciardo denies Ferrari rumours

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix takes place this Sunday and Daniel Ricciardo, Nico Hulkenberg, and Kevin Magnussen were summoned to take questions from the media. The Red Bull driver was continually questioned on where his future lies, and denied recent reports he has held talks with Ferrari.

Ricciardo won the previous GP in China in dramatic fashion, with Valtteri Bottas and Kimi Raikkonen coming in second and third place respectively for Mercedes and Ferrari.

The outstanding performance from the Honey Badger has increased media coverage surrounding his contract expiration with Red Bull, and speculation that he could jump ship to Mercedes or Ferrari.

In a press conference in which he took multiple questions on his future, he remained tight-lipped, but did deny reports that he has held talks out with Red Bull.

“I’ve only had talks with Red Bull,” said Ricciardo during today’s FIA press conference in Baku.

“Even already last year we’ve been pretty open with each other. I think through the media as well everyone’s aware they’re interested in keeping me, we’ve had some talks regarding that.

“Obviously I’m aware of other reports but there hasn’t been anything else so they’re not true, at least up until now, certainly not.”

Ricciardo then expressed a desire to not receive any more questions regarding his future, but did say that he would not go searching for talks immediately when asked if he would seek out Ferrari or Mercedes.

"I guess it's not a bad question. For sure, the summer seems fine. I guess I don’t really fear not having a seat next year so I don’t feel like I need a seat tomorrow.

"I don’t really feel like I need to push anything until then."

The Australian insisted that the world championship is his main goal, but he would not be rushed into making any contract decision.

“The real requirement is to try and put myself in a position to win a world title," he continued.

"It doesn’t mean where I am currently is not that place but I think that’s why I’m trying to take my time with it is because it’s still too early.

“Obviously we won last race, that was great. Realistically we need to win more than just once in the season to fight for a title so that’s why I’m going to take my time. That’s the priority for sure. The financials and all that is definitely behind that.

"What I'm chasing is to try and be world champion, that's my goal, my dream and something I really believe I am capable of."