Daniel Ricciardo: 'Mercedes are too far ahead'

Daniel Ricciardo has dampened expectations for 2016 by suggesting that Mercedes are too far in front to be caught next season.

The Silver Arrows faced competition at times from Ferrari, but were able to win the constructors' title with something to spare.

However, Ricciardo is still hopeful that the rest of the Formula 1 grid can close the gap on Mercedes soon.

He told reporters: "How far are they ahead? Too far. I honestly think they increased the gap this year, and obviously Ferrari caught up a little bit.

"But when [Mercedes] really wanted to turn it on, they could. They'll still be the team to beat next year and they will be hard to beat, but hopefully it doesn't go on too much longer."

Ricciardo won three races in his debut season with Red Bull in 2014.