Ricciardo never doubted Red Bull would stay in F1

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner and motorsport advisor Helmut Marko both confirmed that the team was pushing on with plans to race next year after lodging its 2016 application with the FIA.

And following months of speculation about the future of the team, the move has been welcomed by Ricciardo who said he was not ready to face a campaign on the sidelines if the team quit.

"It is nice to know," said the Australian. "I always had faith we would, but it is the first step towards a better 2016, so it is good news."

And even though Red Bull has still not yet sorted out its engine plans, the team is hoping to finalise a Renault deal imminently.

Ricciardo added: "We will see. I keep saying it will be a week, it will be a week, but I think within a week there should be some conclusions.

"I think once we get to Abu Dhabi after that, we need to start working. I feel between now and Abu Dhabi we will hear something."

Marko upbeat

Marko told Sky Germany that he believed 2016 would be one of rebuilding for Red Bull ahead of bolder plans for 2017, which could involve the new independent engine.

"Both Red Bull Racing and Toro Rosso will be on the grid next year," Marko said. "We have an engine partner but we haven't finalised everything yet.

"2016 will be a transition year for us in order to come back even stronger in 2017. We are optimistic that then, we will be able to fight for victories and the world titles again.

"For the moment we cannot disclose any details for 2016 as we still work on the details."