Following his impressive fifth-place in Canada, Daniel Ricciardo dismisses former champion Jacques Villeneuve’s harsh words, focusing instead on refining his performance.
Daniel Ricciardo has responded to comments made by 1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve following his fifth-place qualification at the Canadian Grand Prix.
The Australian finished just 0.178 seconds off George Russell’s pole position time, and outpaced Tsunoda, who came in eighth, marking the second time he has done so in nine qualifications in 2024.
When asked whether this season-high starting position would silence his critics, Ricciardo said he chose to disregard Villeneuve’s remarks.
“I’m not entirely sure what he said, but I’ve heard it was nonsensical. He’s always like that. I think he’s taken one too many knocks to the head.”
“I won’t waste any more time on him, but the issue is that people might actually believe what he says. I could say more, but I’ll leave it at that. It’s not worth it.”
Ricciardo reiterated his belief that his natural pace had not deserted him and that it came down to his ability to consistently extract such speed.
“The issue this year hasn’t always been about whether I still have the speed. It’s about consistency, which I haven’t been able to demonstrate week in, week out.”
“So, it has definitely been tougher, or at least more than I anticipated, but I know the speed is there; it just needs to be harnessed.”
“We’re always trying to fine-tune the car, but yes, I feel it’s more about finding that last tenth within myself each time.”
“And yes, ten years ago, it might have been easier. Perhaps when you’re younger, you just jump in and drive, and as you get older, more things start to interfere in your life.”
“So, I’m just trying to identify what might be holding me back and ensuring I approach each weekend with a clear mind, ready to go.”
Ricciardo Unshaken, Secures Top Five Finish All Weekend
“I am very pleased! It’s been a truly excellent weekend; I harboured no doubts, and it’s one of those weekends where I feel comfortable in all conditions, feeling from the start that a top 6 finish was within reach. It’s gratifying to secure that lap in Q3, but I’m not surprised,” declared Ricciardo.
“I know when I feel this way, I can achieve results like this. I’m striving to be in this position more often as I’ve missed it frequently this year, and when I do, things tend to go well.”
“Kudos to the team, with both cars making it to Q3. As soon as we hit the track, we felt comfortable. Yuki initially struggled but managed to pull through in qualifying. It’s a circuit I love; my life changed here ten years ago with my first win, and it’s always a positive vibe. The track feels much like a karting circuit.”
Yuki Tsunoda is eighth, a solid qualification that complements the team’s overall excellent result. The Japanese driver is pleased to have recovered after acknowledging a challenging weekend.
“It’s a good result for the team, who did a fantastic job. I faced some difficulties in the free practice but managed to catch up in the qualifications. In Q3, a gust cost me some time, but it was still a good session,” Tsunoda stated.
“Tomorrow, we aim to score more points. We’ll see what the weather brings, but so far, it’s been a good weekend. There have been ups and downs, tough moments in free practice, but it’s great to turn things around in qualifying.”
He also reacted to his contract extension through 2025, announced just before qualifying: “I am delighted to continue being part of this significant VCARB project, and we’ve already made great strides since last year. This year has been fantastic so far; we will keep pushing till the end and aim to make further progress next year.”
Ricciardo Brushes Off Villeneuve Focuses on Consistency. Ricciardo Brushes Off Villeneuve Focuses on Consistency. f1 2024 canada Ricciardo Brushes Off Villeneuve
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