Daniel Ricciardo has 'high' chance of joining Red Bull says Toro Rosso's Franz Tost

Toro Rosso Team Principal Franz Tost believes the chances of Daniel Ricciardo being picked to succeed Mark Webber at Red Bull are "pretty high".

Indeed, Tost has admitted that the prospect of going up against Vettel, who he worked with when the German was a rising protege himself at Toro Rosso in 2007-2008, would be something of a daunting prospect for anyone given his strong all-round skillset. "He has to bring a lot to the table, that's for sure," Tost said, when analysing what Vettel's next team-mate had to do. "Let's have a look at Seb: he's a three-time champion - at least per today - which indicates his huge talent. He's also extremely disciplined; he's got a sharp technical understanding - probably one of the best in the paddock; he can fight ferociously - he's proven that time and again; and he is established in a winning team that he has built up with. "Remember: when Seb left Toro Rosso to join Red Bull Racing, the team was in no way the winner that it is today - Seb has contributed a lot to make it happen. So if you want to be the new kid on the block you better have all these facts in mind - and show even more commitment to come at least close to Seb. That will be a rough ride!" And should Ricciardo be chosen to take on that challenge, Tost says his advice to the Australian will be "very simple". "I told him that he's got six months now - if Red Bull Racing picks you - to prepare for 2014 and never forgetting along that way that in 2014 you will be the team mate of a three-time champion," Tost added. "Prepare mentally..."