Daniel Ricciardo Claps Back at Jacques Villeneuve for Harsh Comments
Formula 1 star Daniel Ricciardo has hit back at former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve for criticizing his performance at this season’s British Grand Prix. Villeneuve had accused Ricciardo of being “out of his depth” and “not the driver he used to be” after finishing 14th at Silverstone. The French-Canadian also suggested that Ricciardo should consider retiring from the sport. Ricciardo responded to Villeneuve’s comments in an interview with Sky Sports. The Australian said that he was “disappointed” by the criticism, but that he was “used to it” after a difficult season. “I think Jacques is entitled to his opinion,” said Ricciardo. “But I’m not going to let it get to me. I know what I’m capable of, and I’m confident that I can still be a top driver in this sport.” Ricciardo has struggled for form this season with his new team, Renault. The 29-year-old has scored just 12 points in the first nine races, and is currently 15th in the drivers’ standings. Despite his poor form, Ricciardo remains confident that he can turn things around. He pointed to his strong performance in qualifying at Silverstone, where he finished seventh, as evidence that he still has the pace to compete at the top level. “I’m not giving up,” said Ricciardo. “I’m going to keep working hard, and I’m confident that I can still be a force in this sport.” Villeneuve has since defended his comments, saying that he was simply stating the obvious. The 1997 World Champion insists that Ricciardo is no longer the same driver who won seven races with Red Bull Racing. “I’m not trying to be cruel,” said Villeneuve. “I’m just being honest. I don’t think Daniel is the same driver he used to be. He’s not as quick, and he’s not as consistent. I think it’s time for him to face reality and consider retiring.” Ricciardo is contracted to Renault until the end of 2020. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to rediscover his form and prove that Villeneuve’s criticism was unfounded.Daniel Ricciardo Hits Back at Jacques Villeneuve
Daniel Ricciardo Hits Back at Jacques Villeneuve
Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has responded to harsh criticism from Canadian legend Jacques Villeneuve. Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion, stated on a television broadcast on Friday that Ricciardo should no longer be in F1. Ricciardo, who has eight Grand Prix victories and 32 podium finishes in his career, hit back at the Canadian on Saturday, following his fifth-place qualifying finish at the Canadian Grand Prix. “He’s probably banged his head a few too many times,” Ricciardo said of Villeneuve’s comments. Ricciardo’s performance in qualifying was his best result of the current season, and it came on the 10th anniversary of his first Grand Prix victory, which he achieved at the Canadian GP in 2014. The 34-year-old Australian has faced criticism for his recent performances, but his qualifying result in Montreal suggests that he is beginning to rediscover his form.Formula 1 driver Daniel Ricciardo has hit back at former World Champion Jacques Villeneuve for his harsh criticism of Ricciardo’s recent performances. Villeneuve, who won the 1997 Formula 1 championship, said that Ricciardo was “past his best” and that he should consider retiring from the sport. Ricciardo, who is currently driving for McLaren, responded to Villeneuve’s comments by saying that he was “not going to let anyone tell me when it’s time to retire.” “I’m still enjoying racing and I believe I have a lot to offer the sport,” Ricciardo said. “I’m not going to let anyone tell me when it’s time to retire. I’ll make that decision for myself.” Ricciardo has struggled for form in recent seasons, but he has shown signs of improvement in recent races. He finished fifth in the Monaco Grand Prix and sixth in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Ricciardo is hoping to continue his good form in the upcoming Canadian Grand Prix. “I’m feeling confident heading into the Canadian Grand Prix,” Ricciardo said. “I’ve always enjoyed racing in Montreal and I’m hoping to have a good weekend.”
