Vergne - Red Bull or bust for 2014

Jean-Eric Vergne has hinted just how high the stakes are at Toro Rosso this year.

His teammate Daniel Ricciardo came out fighting in 2013 by declaring his friendship with the Frenchman is over as he pushes to "blow it apart" this season.

Vergne, 22, is quoted by Brazil’s Totalrace as admitting the stakes at Toro Rosso - the ’junior’ Red Bull-owned team - are high.

While Mark Webber’s contract at the senior team is running out, a new crop of Red Bull-sponsored youngsters are knocking loudly at Toro Rosso’s door.

Vergne admitted: "If my performances are good, I’ll get a spot at Red Bull (Racing).

"Otherwise, they will replace me and I’ll lose my place.

"But I am in Toro Rosso at the moment, I deserve my place and I have to prove it to everyone by getting results."