Red Bull star Daniel Ricciardo admits he is “likely” to extend his stay with the team, although he is yet to put pen to paper.

The Australian started out life in Formula One as a test driver for Red Bull sister team Toro Rosso before stepping up to earn a regular seat with them in 2012.

He finished 18th and 14th in the Drivers’ Championship during his two seasons at Toro Rosso and his performances paved the way for a promotion.

Ricciardo, who is priced at 12.00 to win the German Grand Prix, made his Red Bull debut in 2014 and he went on to repay their faith as he finished the campaign placed third in the Drivers’ Championship.

The 29-year-old is now into his fifth season with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, but he has been heavily linked with an exit at the end of 2018.

Rivals Mercedes and Ferrari are understood to be keen on snapping up Ricciardo when his current contract expires.

However, recent reports have suggested that Mercedes are happy with Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, while Ferrari are not prepared to meet Ricciardo’s wage demands. And Ricciardo’s latest comments appear to provide the biggest hint so far about where his future will lie beyond this term.

Ricciardo said: “It is increasingly likely that I will stay, although I haven’t signed yet and we’re working on some details.”

The Red Bull man has already claimed two race victories in China and Monaco this season but he trails Championship leader Sebastian Vettel by 65 points.