Ricciardo: Mercedes trying to put pressure on us

Speaking ahead of the weekend in Monte Carlo, Ricciardo said of Wolff's comments, "I think they are trying to take a little pressure off them and put it on us. It's no secret that we are always pretty good around here. I think it will be very close between us and particularly Ferrari, and we'll see where Mercedes is."

Ricciardo and Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen are expected to have the choice package in the RB14 on the streets of the Principality where downforce and aero efficiency are key factors for success.

In the current turbo era Red Bull hardly ever start a race weekend as favourites, a tag that Ricciardo clearly relishes, "I would love this feeling coming into every race that we genuinely have a chance to fight for the win. I can't wait to get on the circuit and push the car to the limit. Hopefully, that will be enough."

Ricciardo, who lives in Monaco, was robbed of a win at the venue in 2016 due to a pitstop blunder by his team and does not believe he is 'owed' a victory, "I have to go and earn it. It's not just going to happen because it should have already."

As for the key to success at F1's most prestigious venue' where driving has been described as riding a bicycle in a living room with 19 other people, Ricciardo explained, "Confidence is a big thing here. This is probably the circuit on the calendar where if you are feeling it and you are in a good rhythm and a good flow you can find an extra tenth or two."

"Everyone will put everything on their car and that will minimise that advantage," he added. "That's why l say there are no guarantees we will be quickest. But the DNA of our car solid and this year's car is better than last year's," added Ricciardo.