Ricciardo: Next 2 races potentially most important of my career

Daniel Ricciardo reportedly has extra motivation to do well over the next two races on the Formula 1 calendar, which he says could be the most important stretch of his career.

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner told Ricciardo last month that he has until the upcoming summer break to save his spot with the RB junior team, sources told ESPN's Nate Saunders.

"I haven't been told anything, but I've told myself if I can do it, go fast," Ricciardo said of keeping his seat.

The 35-year-old returned to Red Bull in July 2023 after AlphaTauri released Nyck De Vries from his seat. AlphaTauri rebranded in the offseason, announcing Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda as its drivers for 2024.

Ricciardo was viewed as a potential replacement on the main Red Bull team for the struggling Sergio Perez, but reserve driver Liam Lawson appears to have leapfrogged the Australian as a possible future teammate for Max Verstappen. The scenario has left Ricciardo's Red Bull future and F1 career in jeopardy.

"You've got two races to give it hell. And that's honestly not even with the idea of moving up, it's even just trying to lock something in for next year," Ricciardo said.

"I intentionally came into the weekend telling myself that these two races could be two of the most important of not only my season but potentially my career. They haven't specifically said anything to me but I've said enough to myself."

Ricciardo raced well during Saturday's qualifying sessions in Hungary, placing P1 during Q1.

He'll start Sunday's race in ninth position and hope to add to the 11 points he's accrued this season.