Ricciardo surprised by Ferrari's 'lack of interest'

Daniel Ricciardo looked at one point like a strong contender for a seat alongside Sebastian Vettel at Ferrari in 2019, but the Scuderia has apparently discarded the Red Bull driver, and the Aussie doesn't know why.

The rumor mill placed Ricciardo at the House of Maranello a few months ago, and indeed he was considered an option to replace Kimi Raikkonen at the Italian outfit.

A hefty salary is said to have been the Honey Badger's demise however, with Ferrari boss Sergio Marchionne reluctant to have two big earners in the team with Vettel and Ricciardo.

"I actually thought there would be more interest than there has been from them (Ferrari)," Ricciardo told Motorsport Magazine.

"But maybe something has happened or whatever, I don’t know.

• Ricciardo will stay at Red Bull in 2019, says Horner

“It’s probably safe to say that my options are pretty limited," he admitted

"I don’t think there will be much movement at the top. Mercedes won’t change their drivers and Ferrari, who knows with them?

"They have Kimi (Raikkonen), and now there’s talk about (Charles) Leclerc, but I don’t know what they’ll do."

A new deal with Red Bull is Ricciardo's most reasonable option at this stage, with a decision on his future likely weeks if not days away.

"I’m obviously leaning toward staying here — I expect to have something signed, sealed and delivered by the summer break. It’s definitely getting closer."

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