Australia’s Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo has ruled out a move to Ferrari after being linked with a F1 move to replace Kimi Raikkonen.

Media reports had speculated that Ricciardo would jump ship from Red Bull to the Prancing Horse to join up with former team-mate Sebastian Vettel at the Scuderia.

• Tomic scrapes into next round
• Coach-less Nick Kyrgios contemplates change
• The ‘real’ reason Day, Tomic aren’t keen on Rio

But Ricciardo has said he is confident Red Bull will challenge for the world title next season under new F1 regulations.

“I can confidently say that now I will [still be here in 2017],” Ricciardo said ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix.

“When I was asked in Canada I said the only reason I would look elsewhere would be to fight for a world title. It’s not appealing to jump ship for something that isn’t better, so, yeah, the red stuff’s hit the headlines, which I didn’t expect.

“I am with Red Bull for a couple of years beyond this one but even if I wasn’t I would only be interested if … Mercedes would be the only one who could say we’re definitely fighting for a world title.

Daniel Ricciardo believes Red Bull can challenge for the world title next season. Photo: Getty

“Obviously, at Red Bull we’re getting closer and that’s our aim next year but it’s the same with Ferrari or anyone else, there’s no guarantees.”

Ferrari’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen has yet to have his contract renewed for 2017 and his team is reportedly considering whether to extend his deal into a fourth straight season.

Ricciardo had said earlier in the week that he was “a driver on their list”, saying he was aware Ferrari would be interested in his services, adding “I don’t blame them”.

Having committed to Red Bull for the near future, Ricciardo says the team is developing this season and should be competitive under new regulations in 2017.

“Looking at what we’ve got, it looks like we should be another step closer,” he said.

“Seeing what I see, if we’re able to win races this year then I see next year only being in one direction, whether it’s a fight for a title I think we should be very close.”