Ricciardo returned to F1 in 2023 following a short spell away from the sport and had set his sights on securing a sensational return to Red Bull, where he previously spent five years at what many would argue was the peak of his career.
However, he has failed to live up to expectations since joining Red Bull's sister team, having been consistently outperformed by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.
With just eight races remaining of the 2024 season, time is running out for Ricciardo to score points and show team bosses across the paddock what he is capable of.
Speaking to Speedcafe.com, the eight-time race winner admitted he must remain focused if he wants to prove he is worthy of being part of the F1 landscape next year.
“It needs to be the mindset,” he said. “And if I feel like I’m softening that, then I need to kind of shake myself a little bit and make sure I’m not.
“It is still very important, but I also think I am still learning, which is great, and I think that mindset is a much better one for me.
“When there’s a bit on the line, when that pressure is a little bit higher, it in a way kind of increases that spark in me and stops me from feeling a little bit, maybe relaxed or whatever you want to say.
“These are very important races. But even if, for whatever reason, they weren’t, even if I signed a contract today, I still should be telling myself that they are because I think that’s where I operate the best for myself.”