Ricciardo: Next F1 contract is 'make or break'

Daniel Ricciardo has admitted that the next contract he accepts from a team in Formula One could 'make or break' his career as whether he continues to stay with Red Bull or perhaps even move to Mercedes, he believes he will be in his prime driving years.

Although considered to be a very talented driver, Ricciardo has not won a title in his F1 career, even if he has five Grand Prix victories to his name.

The contract of Valtteri Bottas of Mercedes runs out at the end of the upcoming campaign, and the Silver Arrows are reportedly sounding out Ricciardo for a deal if the Finn fails to deliver in his second season.

Ricciardo has not given a hint as to what is plans are, but believes his next move could 'make or break' his pursuit of the world championship.

"I've still got years in this sport, but I'm not 23/24 anymore," he told Motorsport.com.

"I'm still learning. I don't feel I'm past my peak.

"The next contract I sign or next extension I do, they are potentially the peak years of my career. That next bit of paper I sign could make or break my desire in terms of whether I can fight for a title or not.

"That's why I'm taking my time, I want to see where everyone is at. Maybe I'll have more options, maybe I won't.

"I doubt I'll sign a one-year deal somewhere. It's probably going to be a multiple year deal, two or more, so I need to make sure it's the right place, competitively."

Ricciardo has been part of Red Bull his entire Formula One career, and it is his intention to remain close to the people in the team even if he chooses to move.

"I've been dealing with Helmut Marko for 10 years now. Certainly I feel like part of the family," the Australian continued.

"Even in Austria, Tom Uberoll [Red Bull motorsports manager], him as well, since 2008. I've still got relationships outside of the Red Bull Racing team, and that's cool.

"Whether I was to stay at Red Bull the rest of my career, or eventually move on, I would still keep close to a lot of the people within the family.

"It's been a big part of my life, I'd never walk away from it and think 'OK, that's the past', and completely forget about it."