Daniel Ricciardo celebrates in Canada
Daniel Ricciardo may have put his RB up into fifth place on the Montreal grid, but Jacques Villeneuve says that’s just “one good qualifying” in a season of chances.
At the Canadian Grand Prix, Villeneuve didn’t mince his words when he took the mic for Sky Sports. He openly criticized the Honey Badger, stating that the eight-time Grand Prix champion simply cannot measure up.
Jacques Villeneuve fires back: One good qualifying
Telling Daniel Ricciardo, who trails his team-mate Yuki Tsunoda in the 2024 stats including 5-19 in the Drivers’ Championship, that there have been too many “excuses”, he added: “If you can’t cut it, go home, there’s someone else to take your place.”
24 hours later Ricciardo recorded his best qualifying showing of the season as he put his VCARB01 up into fifth place on the grid.
Ricciardo surpassed Tsunoda by a margin of more than two-tenths of a second, being only 0.178s behind the pole-sitter George Russell.
When questioned about Villeneuve’s remarks, he responded to the media by saying, “I’ve heard that he’s been speaking negatively. However, this is nothing new for him. It appears that he may have experienced multiple head injuries, as his comments don’t seem rational. I’m not sure if he participates in ice hockey or something similar.”
“I refuse to acknowledge him, but all those individuals can disregard him as well. I have more to express, but we shall move forward without him.”
Villeneuve, however, is not prepared or inclined to offer an apology.
More on the Ricciardo/Villeneuve feud
Daniel Ricciardo fires back at ‘talking s**t’ Jacques Villeneuve after live TV roasting
‘A driver that can’t cut it’ – Daniel Ricciardo torn apart by Villeneuve on live TV
When questioned about his criticism of Ricciardo’s performance, the 1997 World Champion stated that Ricciardo thrives under pressure and it ultimately resulted in success.
However, acknowledging Ricciardo’s impressive performance in qualifying, he noted that it was merely a singular occurrence.
“The car is performing excellently; it is a perfect match for him this weekend. When you have a car that complements your driving style, you perform at your peak.”
“That was one good qualifying.
“If he can sustain this level of performance throughout the weekend and replicate it in four, five, or even six more races, then he will be in a good position. However, as he acknowledged, his consistency has been lacking throughout the year.”
He emphasized that RB has consistently provided opportunities for Ricciardo, highlighting that despite the challenges faced throughout the season, the team continues to give him chances. It is essential for Ricciardo to demonstrate his capabilities on the race track and he did so with a commendable qualifying performance today. Moving forward, he must maintain this momentum.
In a lighthearted manner, David Croft playfully proposed that Ricciardo should consider giving Villeneuve a “bonus” for the inspiration he provided.
In the commentary, it was mentioned that Daniel Ricciardo owes Jacques Villeneuve a bonus for the immense motivation he has provided this weekend.
Daniel Ricciardo’s qualifying performance today is undoubtedly his strongest of the season thus far.
Read next: Jacques Villeneuve’s bold and savage quotes: Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton targeted
