Ricciardo Silences Villeneuve with Impressive Canadian GP Qualifying Performance
Daniel Ricciardo has responded to criticism from 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve in the best possible way, qualifying fifth for the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. Villeneuve had questioned Ricciardo’s presence in the series, sparking a heated reaction from the Australian driver.
Ricciardo’s impressive qualifying performance has sent a clear message to his critics, including Villeneuve, who had suggested that the eight-time grand prix winner was not cut out for Formula 1. “Why is he still in F1? We’re hearing the same thing for the last five years. We have to ‘make the car better for him, poor him.’ No. You’re in F1. If you can’t cut it, go home,” Villeneuve had said.
However, Ricciardo was quick to respond, saying, “I heard he has been talking shit, but he always does. I think he has hit his head a few too many times. I don’t know if he plays ice hockey or something, but I won’t give him the time of day. All those people can suck it. I want to say more, but we will leave him behind.”
The Australian driver’s strong qualifying performance was not just a result of his RB car feeling comfortable, but also a new approach he has taken after some soul-searching post-Monaco. Ricciardo had been disappointed with his performance in Monte Carlo and took it upon himself to dig deep into the factors that were stopping him from delivering what he felt he could this year.
“I was always looking at the on-track stuff, ‘I can brake later here, or do this and that,'” he explained. “But it was like OK, what are some other things that are affecting my performances? ‘Am I coming into a race weekend not feeling energised or not feeling this or that?’ So I probably had a good bit of self-therapy after Monaco.”
Ricciardo’s self-reflection has led him to focus on his energy management across the weekend, ensuring that he is in the right mindset to perform at his best. “It’s not even what I’m doing in the car. It’s just what gets me into the car feeling like I’m ready to go,” he said.
The Australian driver’s honest approach has paid off, and he is now feeling more confident and hungry for success. “I got into this weekend feeling, certainly a bit lighter and yeah, just hungry and happy and ready to say fuck you,” he said, sending a clear message to his critics.
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