Ricciardo’s F1 future clouded beyond 2011

Ricciardo needs to bring a bigger check

(GMM) Daniel Ricciardo is not relaxed about his future in formula one.

Recently seen as the natural successor to his countryman Mark Webber at Red Bull, the 22-year-old Australian has struggled to get up to speed with Vitantonio Liuzzi after replacing Narain Karthikeyan at HRT earlier this year.

The move was funded by his backers Red Bull but Ricciardo is contracted to the energy drinks company only to the end of 2011.

With Sebastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari and Jean-Eric Vergne all also in the running for Red Bull's junior seats at Toro Rosso, the West Australian newspaper concludes that Ricciardo's future is clouded.

"I've got the next few races," said the upbeat Ricciardo on Saturday, when it was announced his teammate Liuzzi will sit out India next weekend to make way for Karthikeyan's one-off return.

"They (the last three races) still play a part for next year, so for me it's important to stay focused on those and not watch what the other guys are doing and what I'm doing too much off the track.

"I'll be very disappointed if I don't have a place next year, but it's one of those things," he continued.

"There's only limited space. I think obviously having Red Bull and hopefully impressing them enough this year, they'll continue and put me in somewhere."