Formula 1: Jacques Villeneuve Lambasts VCARB Driver Daniel Ricciardo Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix

• Jacques Villeneuve has questioned Daniel Ricciardo's presence in Formula 1 ahead of the Canadian Grand Prix
• The retired Formula 1 champion stressed Ricciardo was only with a seat in the sport due to image and popularity
• The Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) driver is yet to finish in the points places since the start of the 2024 Formula 1 season

1997 Formula 1 World Champion, Jacques Villeneuve, has slammed Daniel Ricciardo's continuous presence in the sport following his string of underwhelming performances.

The Canadian driver stressed that the Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) driver was in the sport largely due to his image and person rather than his skill behind the wheel.

The 51-year-old, who was on punditry duty with Sky Sports F1 throughout the free practice session of the Canadian Grand Prix, didn't hold back his words, criticising the Australian driver for his relatively below-par driving skills.

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Villeneuve lambasts Ricciardo ahead of Canadian GP

Asked for his assessment of the 34-year-old driver, the 1995 Indy 500 winner didn't hold back in his criticism of the former McLaren driver.

"Why is he still in F1? Why?" Villeneuve questioned.

"For the past four or five years, we've been hearing the same thing. 'We need to improve the car for him.' Sorry, but it's been five years of that. No, you're in F1.

"Maybe such efforts should be made for Lewis Hamilton, who has won multiple championships. You don't make such efforts for a driver who can't perform.

"If you can't perform, go home; there's someone else ready to take your place. That's how it's always been in racing; it's the pinnacle of the sport.

"There's no justification for persisting and finding excuses."

Ricciardo has not finished higher than 12th in any of the Grand Prix races this season per data courtesy of Stats F1. Furthermore, he has consistently been outperformed by his teammate, Yuki Tsunoda.

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In the 2024 season, the former Renault driver's only points came at the Miami Grand Prix sprint race, where he finished fourth, ahead of Carlos Sainz.

Canadian Grand Prix preview

Sports Brief in another report compiled an extensive preview and prediction of the 2024 Canadian Grand Prix.

Red Bull hopes to widen the gap to other challengers after experiencing an underwhelming race in Monaco.

The Milton-Keynes team, among others, have entered the Canada race with upgrades to their RB20 car.