Daniel Ricciardo insisted he will not give his critics “the time of day” as he addressed feedback made by Sky Sports activities F1 pundit Jacques Villeneuve on the Canadian Grand Prix.
F1’s 1997 world champion Villeneuve, mentioned on Friday that Ricciardo’s “image” fairly than his outcomes have prolonged the RB driver’s profession within the sport.
Ricciardo, an eight-time race winner, was left with out a drive in 2023 after being let go by McLaren however returned halfway via final season to interchange Nyck de Vries at Crimson Bull’s junior squad.
The Australian responded by producing his greatest qualifying efficiency of the season on Saturday, ending fifth on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Ricciardo informed Sky Sports activities F1: “I’ve just been told. I don’t listen or read but yeah, there’s definitely some people out there who… yeah, whatever, I won’t give them the time of day.”
The 34-year-old then pointed to his sturdy efficiency all through the weekend and jokingly made an expletive comment earlier than pretending to finish his interview with Sky Sports activities F1’s Rachel Brookes.
“Top five, I’ve been quick all weekend. We’re less than two tenths from pole, so *** ****”
Ricciardo had been outqualified by team-mate Yuki Tsunoda on all however one event this season going into Saturday’s session, whereas the Japanese driver additionally holds a 6-1 benefit in race outcomes.
A one-year contract extension for Tsunoda was introduced forward of qualifying in Canada on Saturday, with Ricciardo’s future nonetheless up within the air.
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Jacques Villeneuve wonders why Daniel Ricciardo remains to be driving in F1 given his lack of latest success.
“I think this year hasn’t really been always a question of if I’ve still got the speed to do it, it’s just been the consistency, which I haven’t been able to show it week in, week out,” Ricciardo mentioned.
“It’s definitely been more of a struggle, or more than I thought. But I know the speed is there and it’s just tapping into it. And I look at myself first.
“You are all the time making an attempt to fantastic tune the automobile however I really feel prefer it’s extra simply getting myself in that candy spot.
“Maybe 10 years ago it came easier. Maybe when you’re a kid, you just jump in and drive, and the older you get, the more things are around your life and involved, and can maybe interfere.
“It is simply making an attempt to acknowledge that and ensure I am coming into the weekend with a transparent head and able to go.”
Villeneuve: Ricciardo needed the push
Reacting to qualifying in Montreal, Villeneuve insisted that Ricciardo needs to maintain Saturday’s level of performance to prove he deserves to remain in F1.
“Like Christian (Horner) mentioned, he wants the push and the stress, and it labored. It paid off,” Villeneuve mentioned.
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Each RB drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda say they nonetheless stay optimistic about their future at Crimson Bull regardless of the information Sergio Perez will proceed with the group for one more two years.
“It’s working well. The car suits him this weekend and when you have a car that suits you, you drive at your best.
“That was one good qualifying. If he can keep on this weekend like this and do 4, 5, six extra races like this, then he’ll be fantastic. However like he mentioned, he is been missing consistency this yr.
“He’s been given chances. Even during this whole season, it’s been a tough season, and he keeps getting a chance. So he needs to show it on track. Today was a good qualifying. He needs to carry on.”
Sky Sports activities F1’s stay Canadian GP schedule
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A glance again at a few of the most dramatic moments from the Canadian Grand Prix.
Sunday June 9
5.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – Canadian GP build-up
7pm: THE CANADIAN GRAND PRIX
9pm: Chequered Flag – Canadian GP response
10pm: Ted’s Pocket book
Components 1 is on Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix and you’ll watch each session on the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve this weekend stay on Sky Sports activities F1, with Sunday’s race at 7pm. Stream each F1 race and extra with a NOW Sports activities Month Membership – No contract, cancel anytime
