Ricciardo expects Red Bull team orders in final F1 races

With team-mate Sebastian Vettel now mathematically out of title chase contention, while Ricciardo holds an outside chance, it makes sense for the team to throw all its weight behind the Australian.

Speaking in the build-up to the Russian Grand Prix, Ricciardo made clear that he thinks it probable the team will do everything it can to help him from now.

"Let's say on Sunday if there is a situation where maybe Seb is in front, and I am quicker, unless it's going to jeopardise more than one position for him, it's something that is likely," explained Ricciardo.

"To be honest, it's a discussion I haven't had yet with Christian [Horner] or the team, but mathematically since he is out now, and I am in with a shot, then perhaps something will be applied.

"As I said from day one, I would still like to not have to rely on any of that, but realistically if it is out there and it can work fluently, then maybe they will take action."

Ricciardo did think, however, that the team would be unlikely to get involved in switching positions until the closing stages of grands prix.

"It's a tough one," he said. "I have never really been involved with team orders.

"From my opinion, you can't really apply it at the start of the race because anything can happen, and I think if you are trying to let someone go, you are either going to get done by other guys or you will create an accident.

"So I think naturally, we are going to race, and maybe towards the end of the first stint see what the pace is like, and figure it out from there.

"I think at the start of the race you have got to go each man for himself, and probably figure it out after that."

Ricciardo is 73 points behind championship leader Lewis Hamilton, while Vettel is 127 points adrift. There are only 125 points available over the remainder of the campaign.