Daniel Ricciardo said reports he has an arrangement in place to potentially join Ferrari for the 2019 F1 season are not true.
The Red Bull driver added he has not spoken to any rival teams, including Ferrari and Mercedes, about his contract for next year.
“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.”
Speaking in response to a question from RaceFans, Ricciardo said he will not allow the discussions around his future become a distraction from his 2018 campaign.
“I’ve got a small group around me [and] as far as the real negotiations go I’ve got a guy doing that for me. I’m obviously super-aware and invested in what I want and where I see myself but a far as the real, in-depth talks and all that it’s best for me not to really focus on that too much.”
Ricciardo explained why he isn’t ready to make a decision on his future yet.
“The real requirement is to try and put myself in a position to win a world title. 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.”
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