Daniel Ricciardo is overrated and never stops complaining, according to Jacques Villeneuve. And Villeneuve may have suffered too many blows to the head, because he likes to “talk shit,” according to Ricciardo.
A war of words broke out this weekend on the sidelines of the Canadian Grand Prix.
The 53-year-old Quebecer, former Formula 1 world champion, launched a full-throttle charge against the Australian on Friday. In Montreal, Villeneuve acts as an analyst for Sky Sports, a British television channel.
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Jacques Villeneuve
“Why is he still in Formula 1?” he asked on air about the RB driver. I believe his image kept him in F1 rather than his real results. »
It’s true that Ricciardo, 34, hasn’t had major success in a while. The man who finished third in the drivers’ championship twice, in 2014 and 2016, has only been on the podium three times in the last five and a half seasons. In 2024, in eight races, including six complete ones, he could not do better than 12e place behind the wheel of his RB.
In recent weeks, the veteran has not hidden his disappointment with his start to the season, which visibly displeased Villeneuve.
“We have been hearing the same things for four or five years,” said the latter. “We have to make the car better for him, poor him…” No, you’re in F1. Maybe [qu’une écurie] can make the effort for Lewis Hamilton, who won world championships, but she won’t do it for a rider who isn’t up to the task. If you’re not up to it, go home and someone will take your place. »
“It’s always been like that in motor racing,” Villeneuve continued. This is the pinnacle of this sport, this is not the place to make excuses. »
Villeneuve argued that Ricciardo’s early career success, while racing for Red Bull, was due to first having to compete against an aging Sebastian Vettel and then “an 18-year-old Max Verstappen.” years “.
” That’s all ! He didn’t beat anyone after that. »
After Saturday’s qualifying session in Montreal, Daniel Ricciardo showed a big smile while presenting himself in front of the written media reporters. He had just spent long minutes in front of the television cameras and, obviously, he had answered his share of questions about Villeneuve’s exit.
“I still haven’t heard what he said,” said the pilot. If he is telling the truth, we cannot therefore trace a link between these statements and his surprising fifth position on the starting grid. Regardless, Ricciardo knew enough to argue that Villeneuve was “talking shit” [talked shit].
He still does that, he continued. I think he hit his head too many times, I don’t know if he plays hockey or something…
Daniel Ricciardo on Jacques Villeneuve
Ricciardo did not want to give the ex-F1 star “his moment of glory”. “But all these people can go grazing,” he said, again with a big smile. I would like to say more, but that’s okay. I’ll put this behind me. »
This fifth position on the starting grid on Sunday will be the most advantageous for him so far this season.