Daniel Ricciardo has heeded warnings by some in the Formula 1 paddock admitting he doesn't want to "disrespect" Red Bull as he considers his future.

The Australian is out of contract after 2018 and has made it clear he wants to take his time with the Milton Keynes outfit having failed to challenge for the title since he joined in 2014 and the next deal he signs likely to take him through the prime of his career.

Some, including Lewis Hamilton with whom Ricciardo has admitted a desire a race alongside, have pointed out to the 28-year-old that he needs to not risk upsetting his current employer in the case he stays on for a few more years.

"Sure, I may have more than one option and it's the first time and it's exciting and it's great - but I still want to go about it in the right way," Ricciardo told Autosport.

"I don't want to disrespect anyone or bag anyone. Maybe I do move on, but I'm not going to go and say 'it's because these guys are a bunch of this'.

"I think that's just me, I'm not that guy. I'll speak my mind if I feel like it's what I deserve or whatever, but I'll always remain respectful."

Also Read:

• Vettel "wouldn't mind" Ricciardo reunion as teammates
• Ricciardo claims Red Bull had quickest car during Melbourne GP
• Bottas hopeful "disturbing" Mercedes contract talks won't drag

The five-time Grand Prix winner insists the competitiveness of Red Bull and the potential of the team will be the main driver in his decision, with the performance in Australia pointing to another year of close but not close enough.

But Ricciardo is prepared to be patient and get a better indication before putting pen to paper anywhere.

“I’m certainly going to take my time because I don’t feel like there’s a rush for anything,” he told Sky Sports.

“I don’t really see myself racing till my mid- or late-30s in F1. So more so I want to make the next period of my career work and make it right – I’m not just happy ticking over and being here.

“If I can get a good deal with the right team, if that is Red Bull or someone else, then I feel it’s worth waiting.”