Red Bull F1 advisor Helmut Marko recanted on words from the team earlier this week that they had chosen Daniel Ricciardo as their driver replacement for Mark Webber next year.

After announcing that Raikkonen was out of the running for the much sought after vacant position, the Red Bull boss was quick to reign in rumours that the junior driver had been awarded the position, saying confirmation would not come until after this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix at the earliest.

Although Marko hasn’t confirmed the team’s decision for Ricciardo, securing him would be a long-term move that would also guarantee three-time defending champion Sebastian Vettel as the team’s number one driver. With Raikkonen out of the picture, there are also few options available as Webber’s replacement. Ricciardo has been the longstanding candidate, with current Toro Rosso teammate Jean-Eric Vergne’s name also being mentioned in rumours.

Stay tuned for an official announcement.