Ricciardo responds to Villeneuve's criticism with stellar qualifying
Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool
MONTREAL, Canada – With a defiant performance on the track, Daniel Ricciardo has put criticism in the rearview mirror, claiming fifth on the grid for Sunday’s Canadian Grand Prix. The RB driver turned heads after 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve questioned his presence on the Formula One grid, suggesting Ricciardo’s image has been more significant than his results.
In a biting response following the qualifying session in Canada, Ricciardo shrugged off Villeneuve’s remarks. "I still don't know what he said. But I heard he's been talking s---. But he always does," the Australian driver commented. "I think he's hit his head a few too many times, I don't know if he plays ice hockey or something. But yeah. Anyway. I won't give him the time of day, but... all those people can suck it!"
Ricciardo’s return to the Montreal circuit, where he celebrated his maiden F1 victory in 2014, seems to have rekindled his racing fire. The weekend's strong qualifying effort comes as his best grand prix performance of the year and second best overall, following a fourth-place slot at the Miami sprint race.
The Australian's focus was further sharpened by internal team developments, as news broke confirming teammate Yuki Tsunoda’s contract extension with RB through 2025. While Ricciardo’s own future with the team remains undecided, he emphasized his renewed motivation, saying, "I've obviously been highly motivated to do more than I have been this year. I know how good those results feel, and that's why I do it, to feel those highs."
Reflecting on his journey, Ricciardo added, "Today is 10 years to the day of my first win, and that day changed my life. So there's a lot of nice emotions coming into it, and I felt like I was ready to do some good s---."
As the Canadian Grand Prix approaches, Ricciardo’s performance has not only silenced critics but also resurrected the fighting spirit that once made him a formidable force on the F1 circuit.
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