Red Bull eyeing small steps rather than major gains

On the back of a disappointing Australian Grand Prix, the Milton Keynes-based team and engine partner Renault have been working furiously to try to improve their situation.

And although 12 months ago it recovered from a tough winter to challenge for podiums when the racing started, Ricciardo senses a different situation this time out.

He thinks Red Bull is going to have a play the long game now - and not try to run before it can walk.

"In the past Red Bull has been able to just, if they want to run, they can run," he said at Sepang on Thursday.

"But obviously we've had a few more bits and pieces going on over the last year with the new package and what not, and I think we can't quite make those big steps and be confident with those, at least right now.

"It's just taking a step back to eventually take two steps forward."

Ricciardo said his team was optimistic that it had made progress since Melbourne though - especially in terms of the driveability issues that held it back so badly.

"It looks like some things are ironed out so hopefully we can be closer," he explained.

"I'd love to say that we are going to be right there with Williams and Ferrari but... well, we could be but we are just going to try to take it one bit at a time at the moment.

"Hopefully [we will] just have a smoother weekend than Melbourne, obviously reliability wise as well. We should be in a better place."