Australian Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo says that he is confident that he will remain in the sport next year.
The Toro Rosso driver, currently in his first full year of F1 competition, is operating on a one-year deal with Red Bull's second squad.
Despite sitting two points behind his rookie French team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne in the F1 standings, Ricciardo has comprehensively outclassed Vergne in qualifying, outpacing him nine times from the 11 races so far.
He says that he wants to secure another season with Toro Rosso to continue his progress in the sport.
“I'm definitely happy here,” Ricciardo told AAP.
“I'm not confirmed for what I am doing next year, but I'd be happy to do another year here to improve myself and see what happens.”
Before fellow Australian Mark Webber re-signed with Red Bull Racing, West Australian Ricciardo was linked to Webber's seat, and while Ricciardo was pleased to be mentioned in those talks, he says he never expected it to happen.
“Unless we were getting some podiums and doing something extraordinary, I never saw that happening next year,” Ricciardo said.
“The thought of it was nice but I wasn't disappointed because I didn't really expect it. We've still got a bit to learn.”
F1 is currently in a mid-season break. The next round of the championship will be held at Belgian's famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit.