Daniel Ricciardo believes that he can be the equal of triple world champion Sebastian Vettel, should he be given the chance to drive for Red Bull.
The Australian driver has been heavily linked to succeeding fellow countryman Mark Webber as Vettel's teammate, but he told The Telegraph that he is not getting carried away with the speculation.
Ricciardo said: "Until something is done I'm not getting too excited. Then if it doesn't happen, I won't kill myself.
"I would love to get the opportunity to prove to everyone that I have what it takes – and more than that, to know for myself that I can mix it with the big guys."
Last weekend, BBC pundit Eddie Jordan suggested that a deal for Ricciardo has already been signed but Red Bull boss Christian Horner refused to be drawn on the matter.
