Daniel Ricciardo says he is ready to lead Red Bull after the departure of four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel.
The Australian, who replaced fellow countryman Mark Webber at the Milton Keynes-based outfit, outperformed Vettel on numerous occasions and finished third in the drivers' championship, behind the Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.
Despite the departure of Vettel from Red Bull, Ricciardo appears to be undaunted by the prospect of being the senior driver, alongside Russian rookie Daniil Kvyat.
Ricciardo told Autosport: "I am always going to continue to learn and grow with the team.
"I have done quite well this year in forming relationships and I expect that to continue. Obviously, they will rely a bit more on my feedback.
"I am sure it will take Daniil the winter to get running and get his shoes on the ground, so they'll rely on me a little bit more at the start of the season, but I'm sure I'm the right person to control that."
Ricciardo was the only non-Mercedes race winner in 2014, claiming three Grand Prix victories.
Chris O'Keefe
