Ricciardo Motivated by Villeneuve's Harsh Words

Ricciardo finds motivation in Villeneuve’s constant criticism, despite initial disappointment.

Recently, Jacques Villeneuve sharply criticised Daniel Ricciardo, questioning why the Australian remains in Formula 1 following several challenging years. The RB F1 driver responded to these comments relayed to him.

“I still don’t know exactly what he said. But I’ve heard he was critical. He always is,” stated Ricciardo, who admitted being “disappointed” by the Canadian’s remarks. “In Montreal, Jacques was talking about this and that, and it got back to me. I accepted that he was testing me.”

“I think I responded well to certain things. Normally, I don’t read them, but the team informs me to prepare for what’s been said. In Jacques’ case, as a world champion, he’s someone who knows the sport.”

“I could make comments about other drivers and say ‘yes, he’s had a tough time,’ but I would never speak ill of someone because I can understand and I know what they’ve been through. No one should get personal; it’s such a rare sport.”

“I was more disappointed, but I told myself that if some people think this way, it was time for me to remind them that I’m still here. I used it to my advantage, but it’s fine. I know people have opinions. I just thought, don’t get upset, get motivated.”

The Australian acknowledges he had a difficult start to the season but is pleased with recent progress: “It’s definitely clicking a bit more now. Canada was a pivotal turning point. I had the new chassis in China and Miami was working better.”

“I had a few less successful races and in Canada, there was a lot at stake. There was already talk of the possibility of losing my seat and I thought that everything I had done since the start of the year, for one reason or another, hadn’t worked as I would have liked.”