Ricciardo in no rush to decide 2019 future

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Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo says he won't be deciding his future beyond 2018 anytime soon, believing patience is a virtue in Formula 1.

The Aussie hasn't followed the lead of team mate Max Verstappen who recently extended his contract with Red Bull to the end of 2020.

Although preliminary talks could soon get underway with Red Bull, Ricciardo will likely wait until the 2018 season is well underway before seriously weighing his options.

"I very much doubt I will decide anything in the coming months," he said at the 2017 finale in Abu Dhabi.

"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," Ricciardo added.

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He said that as well as Red Bull, he is eyeing "two other teams" for 2019.

"The most important thing next year is to stay at a high level so that the interest in me also remains high," said Ricciardo.

"Wherever I sign, it's unlikely it will be a one-year contract," he said.

"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 motorsport boss Helmut Marko insisted Ricciardo remained the Milton Keynes-based outfit's preferred choice for the future.

"It was important for us to extend the contract with Max, and now we will negotiate with Daniel," said the Austrian.

"He is our preferred candidate but we have alternatives."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.