1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has criticised Daniel Ricciardo over what he perceives as a “childish” reaction to criticism about his recent form.
Villeneuve and Ricciardo were engaged in a war of words during the Canadian Grand Prix, which began when the former questioned the Australian’s place on the grid.
Ricciardo would go on to silence those critics somewhat as he qualified in fifth place in Montreal and proceeded to quip that Villeneuve might’ve been hit on the head.
But while Ricciardo would convert that into an eighth-place finish in the race, Villeneuve has stressed that a sole result wouldn’t warrant him retracting his comments.
The Canadian has chastised the remarks the current RB driver targeted at him, arguing such “unprofessional” behaviour is not aligned with his status as a role model.
“Daniel Ricciardo is a hot potato,” he told CryptoSportsBetting.
“It’s always risky to criticise him because he’s extremely protected by his team and the media and by fans on social media.
“It’s a burnt subject, even if you say something constructive, you’ll get burnt one way or another and you’ll have a lot of people who get angry.
“Ultimately, the results have not been there. He was really good at Red Bull and since he left them, it’s been very difficult and his return hasn’t been flamboyant. He had a good qualifying session and then an ok race yesterday marred by the false start where he got a penalty and in the end, he scored points because drivers in front of him messed up.
“He kept his nose clean, he brought home some points but that means very little in the context of the season and he needs to do more than that. It’s that simple.
“The scoreboard doesn’t lie and it’s like that for every driver.
“Obviously I got under his skin because it made him go faster and even Christian Horner thought that it gave him a bit of a boost and maybe he needed that.
“At least he got a lot of media mileage out of this!
“What I find incredible is the reaction that some of these drivers have nowadays in the media.
“It’s completely unprofessional and has nothing to do with the business and it can be personally insulting which is amazing.
“I can’t imagine Daniel saying that to other media so that’s weird. If he says that someone hit his head playing Ice Hockey, how constructive and how professional is that?
“It’s very childish and people like Daniel are role models and they think that’s the right way to act. You have to be careful with that.
“I found that really strange when someone says I don’t care what people say.
“You need to have tough skin, in F1 you will be criticised and you have to take it. Don’t say something childish and insulting.”
Last weekend’s race marked the second time Ricciardo has beaten his less experienced team-mate Yuki Tsunoda, who has accumulated 10 more points this season.
With Ricciardo having endured a thrashing by Lando Norris at McLaren prior to his Red Bull return, Villeneuve believes the multiple-time race-winner is overprotected.
“I have no idea why Daniel Ricciardo is so protected but he has a huge aura around him,” he added. “Good for him but imagine if he could back that up with results?
“He’s not lived up to expectations and he’s not consistent so he knows he’s not up to speed and he hasn’t had results that have been good enough. It’s that simple.
“There’s nothing wrong with saying that. Saying it might hurt but you’re in F1, just take it and move on. The truth hurts.”
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