Daniel Ricciardo has insisted he will not give his critics “time”, referencing Sky Sports F1 expert Jacques Villeneuve's comments at the Canadian Grand Prix.
F1's 1997 world champion Villeneuve 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 drive after being released by McLaren in 2023, but returned midway through last season to replace Nyck de Vries in the Red Bull junior squad.
The Australian produced his best qualifying performance of the season on Saturday, finishing fifth at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.
Ricardo said Sky Sports F1: “I just heard this. I don't listen or read. But yeah, I'm sure there are people like that… Yeah, I won't give them the time of day anyway.”
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Highlights from Canadian Grand Prix qualifying.
The 34-year-old pretended to end his interview with Sky Sports F1's Rachel Brooks after pointing out his outstanding performances and jokingly swearing all weekend.
“Top five, fast all weekend. Less than two tenths from pole *** ****.”
Ricciardo has been disqualified by teammate Yuki Tsunoda on all but one occasion this season entering the Saturday session, with the Japanese driver also holding a 6-1 advantage in the race results.
Tsunoda's one-year contract extension was announced ahead of Saturday's Canadian qualifier, while Ricciardo's future remains unclear.
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Jacques Villeneuve wonders why Daniel Ricciardo is still driving in F1 given his recent lack of success.
“I think this year it wasn't always about whether I had the speed to do it. It was just consistency. I wasn't able to show it every week.” Ricciardo said.
“It’s definitely been harder than I thought it would be, but I know the speed is there and I’m just tapping into it and I put myself first.
“You’re always trying to fine-tune the car, but I think it’s more important to get to that sweet spot.
“Maybe 10 years ago it would have been easier. When you were younger you would just jump in and drive, and as you get older there are more things that can get involved and interfere with your life.
“Just acknowledging that and trying to make sure I’m clear-headed and ready to go at the end of the week.”
Villeneuve: Ricciardo needed the push.
In response to qualifying in Montreal, Villeneuve insisted Ricciardo must maintain the level of Saturday's performance to prove he deserves to remain in F1.
“Like Christian (Horner) said, he needed pressure and pressure and it worked. It paid off,” Villeneuve said.
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RB drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Yuki Tsunoda say they remain optimistic about their future at Red Bull despite news that Sergio Perez will join the team for two more years.
“It’s working well, the car suits him well this weekend, and if it’s the right car for you, drive it to the best of your ability.
“It was a good qualifying, if he can continue like this this weekend and do four, five, six more races like this he will be fine, but as he said, he has lacked consistency this year.
“He's been given the opportunity. It's been a tough season this whole season and he's kept getting the opportunities, so he's got to show it on track. Today was a good qualifying. He's got to keep going.”
Live Canadian GP schedule on Sky Sports F1
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Take 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 – Canadian GP build-up.
7 p.m.: Canadian Grand Prix
9 PM: Checkered Flag – Canadian GP Reaction
10 p.m.: Ted's Notes
Formula 1 is in Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix and you can watch every session from the Gilles Villeneuve circuit live on Sky Sports F1 this weekend. The game will be played on Sunday at 7pm. Stream every F1 race and more with a NOW Sports Month membership. There is no contract and you can cancel at any time.
