Daniel Ricciardo spurred by Red Bull's team order reluctance

Ricciardo remains an outside contender for the championship, but being 72 points adrift of leader Nico Rosberg knows that he needs some good luck to triumph.

Although having the full support of Vettel would help his cause, Red Bull has made it clear that it will not hold either driver back while they are both in mathematical contention for the crown.

"It is pretty much whilst both of us are mathematically eligible, then we are still allowed to race and do what we can," said Ricciardo.

"They say if one of us gets knocked out before the other, then they will think about imposing some team orders."

When asked if he was disappointed about Red Bull's stance, Ricciardo said: "Yes and no. At the same time, I would like - not to sound too confident - but I would like to not have to rely on it.

"Obviously I would love to be in front of Seb and not have to rely on him moving over for me.

"In a way it makes me a bit more hungry to make sure that I am in front and I will not need them.

"It is nothing against him or the team. It is just the way it is.

"And it is fair. I think it is still quite early and because we are both quite long shots, it is not a dead cert where if he helps me out I am going to win.

"We both need a bit of luck to go with that, not only a small team order."

GAME ON FOR TITLE

Ricciardo is adamant that he remains a contender for the championship, though he admits it will require a 'maximum attack' approach.

"As far as I am concerned it is game on, but my approach and mentality hasn't really changed from the start of the year," he said.

"If we can take the win we will take it, and if it takes me closer to the leader that is a good thing.

"Let's say the approach from now is to attack and get as much as we can, and that won't change. That is what we need to do to get close to the Mercedes."