Daniel Ricciardo insisted he would not give his critics the “time of day” as he responded to comments made by Sky Sports F1 pundit Jacques Villeneuve during the Canadian Grand Prix.
Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 world champion, said on Friday that Ricciardo’s “image” rather than his results had prolonged the RB driver’s career in the sport.
Eight-time race winner Ricciardo was left without a driver in 2023 after being fired by McLaren, but returned midway through last season to replace Nyck de Vries in Red Bull’s junior team.
The Australian responded by delivering his best performance of the season in qualifying on Saturday, finishing fifth at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Ricciardo said Sky Sports F1: “I was just told that. I don’t listen or read but yeah, there are definitely people out there who… yeah, whatever, I won’t give them the time of day.”
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Highlights from qualifying for the Canadian Grand Prix.
The 34-year-old then highlighted his strong performance throughout the weekend and made a joking remark before pretending to end his interview with Sky Sports F1’s Rachel Brookes.
“Top five, I was fast all weekend. We are less than two tenths from pole, so *** ****”
Ricciardo had been outqualified by teammate Yuki Tsunoda on all but one occasion this season heading into Saturday’s session, while the Japanese driver also holds a 6-1 advantage in race results.
A one-year contract extension for Tsunoda was announced on Saturday ahead of qualifying in Canada, with Ricciardo’s future still uncertain.
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Jacques Villeneuve questions why Daniel Ricciardo is still racing in F1 given his lack of recent success.
“I think this year wasn’t always about whether I still had the speed to do it, it was just about consistency, which I wasn’t able to show week after week,” Ricciardo said. said.
“It’s definitely been harder, or more than I thought it would be. But I know the speed is there and she’s just exploiting it. And I look at myself first.”
“You’re always trying to fine-tune the car, but I feel like it’s more about putting myself in that sweet spot.
“Maybe 10 years ago it was easier. Maybe when you’re a kid you just get behind the wheel and drive, and the older you get, the more things there are in your life and involved, and can perhaps interfere.
“It’s just about trying to recognize that and making sure I go into the weekend with a clear mind and ready to go.”
Villeneuve: Ricciardo needed a helping hand
Reacting to qualifying in Montreal, Villeneuve insisted Ricciardo must maintain Saturday’s level of performance to prove he deserves to stay in F1.
“Like Christian (Horner) said, he needs push and pressure, and it worked. It paid off,” Villeneuve said.
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Both RB drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda say they remain optimistic about their future at Red Bull despite the announcement that Sergio Perez will continue with the team for another two years.
“It works well. The car suits him this weekend and when you have a car that suits you, you drive at your best.
“It was a good qualifying. If he can continue this weekend like this and do four, five, six more races like this, then everything will be fine for him. But like he said, he lacked consistency this year.”
“We gave him chances. Even throughout this season, it’s been a difficult season, and he continues to get chances. So he has to show it on track. Today was a good qualifying. He must continue.”
Canadian GP live schedule from Sky Sports F1
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A look back at some of the most dramatic moments from the Canadian Grand Prix.
Sunday June 9
5:30 p.m.: Grand Prix Sunday – Preparation for the Canadian GP
7 p.m.: THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
9 p.m.: Checkered flag – Reaction from the Canadian GP
10 p.m.: Ted’s notebook
Formula 1 is in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix and you can watch every session at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend live on Sky Sports F1, with Sunday’s race at 7 p.m. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month subscription – No contracts, cancel anytime
