Ricciardo expecting contract talks in April

Daniel Ricciardo says he expects talks over a new contract with Red Bull to begin in April. Ricciardo's current deal expires at the end of the 2018 Formula One season and he has been tipped to play a big role in the driver market this year.

Ricciardo has been linked to Mercedes and Ferrari over recent seasons, with Red Bull struggling to maintain their race-winning form.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff offered a tantalising "let's see" when discussing the prospect of Ricciardo replacing Valtteri Bottas this week, but insisted the Finn retained full faith from all at the Silver Arrows.

Both Bottas' and Lewis Hamilton's contracts expire at the end of 2018, but the world champion is expected to sign extended terms in the coming weeks. Likewise, Kimi Raikkonen is on another one-year deal with Ferrari.

Red Bull tied Max Verstappen to a contract running until 2020 last October.

And Ricciardo suggests he could be keen to follow suit, having used the off-season to completely distance himself from the sport.

"Nothing has really developed since the end of the season. I switched off from F1," Ricciardo told Sky Sports.

"I think realistically around April things will start to be spoken.

"After a few races, hopefully I win the first few and I can have a powerful say in what I do."