MONTREAL, QUEBEC – JUNE 9: Daniel Ricciardo, from Australia, who finished eighth, poses for a photo with fans after the F1 Canadian Grand Prix at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on June 9, 2024 in Montreal, Quebec. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images)
Before the Canadian Grand Prix, it was refreshing to see Villeneuve join the Sky F1 expert panel for the race in his hometown, Montreal. True to his style, he did not hesitate in his analysis, offering a perspective that resonated with many. Even before the race, Canada’s only F1 world champion was not afraid to speak his mind.
Villeneuve’s criticism of Ricciardo before the race at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve last weekend generated a lot of attention. It quickly spread on social media, capturing the interest of fans and experts.
In a surprising twist, Ricciardo had an exceptional performance during the qualifying session on Saturday in Montreal. It was a timely response to those who doubted his abilities, including Villeneuve (and even this author), securing him a respectable fifth place on the starting grid.
After this impressive display, Ricciardo retaliated against Villeneuve’s comments, suggesting that the former F1 champion has a tendency to speak without restrictions. He even humorously speculated whether Villeneuve’s numerous head traumas could be the cause, jokingly asking if he might get involved in ice hockey.
In summary, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Ricciardo’s first victory for Red Bull in Montreal, he made a mistake in positioning himself on the starting grid (resulting in a penalty) and subsequently lost several positions during the chaotic first lap in challenging conditions. However, he managed to navigate through a tumultuous race, with two safety car periods and a high number of retirements, finishing in eighth place.
After nine rounds of the 2024 F1 World Championship, the ranking of VCARB teammates is as follows: Ricciardo with 9 points and Yuki Tsunoda with 19 points.
Tsunoda, the Japanese driver, crossed the finish line in fourteenth position in Canada and spent most of the 70-lap race ahead of Dan. However, a late spin cost Tsunoda the opportunity to secure a seventh or eighth place, as well as surpass Ricciardo once again.
Reflecting on Ricciardo’s performance in Canada, Villeneuve naturally remained skeptical and cautious about criticizing him further. He acknowledged that Ricciardo is a sensitive subject, as he is heavily protected by his team, the media, and his fans on social media.
Villeneuve emphasized that discussing Ricciardo’s performance is a delicate matter, as even constructive criticism is met with negative reactions and anger from various people. He highlighted the presence of “awakened keyboard warriors” who vehemently oppose any negative comments about Ricciardo, despite Villeneuve’s commitment to providing an honest assessment of the situation without any personal agenda.
At 53 years old, Villeneuve is hired to offer his unfiltered perspective, unaffected by any bias or illusions. Unlike many of his colleagues, he has no reservations in reiterating his long-standing opinion: “In the end, the results aren’t there. He was exceptional during his time at Red Bull, but since leaving the team, he has faced significant challenges.”
Villeneuve acknowledged that Ricciardo’s return to Red Bull was not as impressive as expected. Although he had a strong qualifying session and a decent race hindered by a false start penalty, he managed to score points due to mistakes made by the drivers ahead of him.
Regarding Ricciardo’s improved performance in Canada last weekend, Villeneuve stated: “He managed to avoid major incidents, earned some points. However, this achievement has little significance in the context of the season. He needs to do more than that. It’s as simple as that.”
“The results don’t lie, and that applies to all drivers. Of course, I managed to get under his skin because it motivated him to go faster. Even Christian Horner acknowledged that it gave him a boost, which he may have needed. At least he got a lot of media attention!” JV added with a touch of irony.
When asked about Ricciardo’s comment that Villeneuve had “bumped his head,” the former champion responded: “What I find surprising is the way some of these drivers react in the media nowadays. It’s completely unprofessional and irrelevant to the sport. It can even be personally insulting, which is incredible.”
“I can’t imagine Daniel saying something like that. It’s strange. If he claims that someone hit him on the head while playing ice hockey, how constructive and professional is that? It’s very immature, and people like Daniel should be role models. They think this is the right way to behave.”
“They need to be cautious. I found it very strange when someone says they don’t care what others think. In F1, you need to have thick skin because you will face criticism and need to deal with it. Don’t resort to childish and insulting comments,” Villeneuve said.
© 2024
The world of sports is full of emotions and surprises, and 2024 promises to be a year full of incredible events. With the arrival of new talents and the rise of already established athletes, fans can expect exciting and historic moments. In this article, we will explore some of the main sports competitions that will take place throughout the year.
Football, as always, will be one of the highlights of the sports calendar in 2024. With the World Cup taking place, the eyes of the world will be on the national teams competing for the most coveted title in the sport. It will be an opportunity for players to showcase their talent and for fans to cheer on electrifying matches.
Another sport that promises to shake up the sports scene in 2024 is basketball. With the Olympics taking place, the best teams in the world will face off in search of the gold medal. Fans will be able to witness the skill and talent of the players in intense and exciting matches.
Furthermore, motorsport fans will have plenty to celebrate in 2024. With the realization of the Formula 1 World Championship, the fastest drivers in the world will compete on thrilling tracks, vying for the championship title. Fans will be able to feel the adrenaline and speed of the racing cars in every curve and straightaway.
In the world of tennis, Grand Slam tournaments will continue to be the highlight of the season. The best players in the world will face each other in epic matches, fighting for every point and seeking the coveted title. Fans will be able to closely follow the incredible plays and moments of tension that these tournaments provide.
Lastly, we cannot fail to mention the Paralympic Games, which will also take place in 2024. In these games, athletes with disabilities will showcase their strength and resilience in various sports. It will be a unique opportunity to celebrate inclusion and the talent of these incredible competitors.
In summary, 2024 will be a year full of emotions and major sporting events. Fans will be able to engage and cheer for their favorite sports, witnessing historic moments and exceptional talents. Get ready for an unforgettable year in the world of sports!
