Daniel Ricciardo fired back at Jacques Villeneuve, telling the former F1 world champion to “eat s**t” following Ricciardo’s best qualifying performance of the F1 season.
Villeneuve recently questioned Ricciardo’s continued presence in F1, claiming that his public image is what has kept him in the sport, during a harsh live television rant.
In an interview with Sky Sports in Montreal on Sunday morning, Ricciardo responded to Villeneuve’s comments.
“I’ve just been told about Villeneuve’s comments. I don’t listen or read, but there are definitely people out there who… yeah, whatever,” Ricciardo said.
“I won’t give them the time of day. But yeah, top five, I’ve been quick all weekend. We’re less than two tenths from pole. So, eat s***.”
In another interview reported by Speedcafe.com, Ricciardo further addressed Villeneuve’s remarks.
“I still don’t know what he said, but I heard he’s been talking s***,” Ricciardo said after qualifying. “But he always does. I think he’s hit his head a few too many times – I don’t know if he plays ice hockey or something. Anyway, I won’t give him the time of day, but all those people can suck it. I want to say more but it’s alright. We’ll leave him behind.”
Ricciardo will start the Canadian Grand Prix in fifth position after his best qualifying performance of the season. George Russell secured an extraordinary pole position for the GP, tied with Max Verstappen at 1min 12.000sec.
Ricciardo’s strong performance was in a dramatic qualifying session with the threat of rain looming. Lando Norris will start third, just .021 seconds off the pace, ahead of his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.
Commentator Matt Gallagher described Ricciardo’s drive as “ridiculous” and suggested he should thank Villeneuve for the motivation. Sky’s David Croft added, “Daniel Ricciardo needs to pay Jacques Villeneuve a bonus for the motivation he’s given him this weekend. That is by far Daniel Ricciardo’s best qualifying day of the season so far.”
After the session, Ricciardo was thrilled and celebrated over the team radio.
