It’s clear that Daniel Ricciardo’s recent fifth-place qualifying finish at the Canadian Grand Prix isn’t enough to silence the critics, particularly Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 world champion.
Villeneuve’s harsh words about Ricciardo’s performance have drawn a lot of attention. He questions why Ricciardo is still in Formula 1 if he’s been struggling for the past few years. According to Villeneuve, if a driver can’t keep up, they should make way for someone else who can.
In response, Ricciardo didn’t hold back, dismissing Villeneuve’s comments as nonsense. He suggested that Villeneuve might have taken too many hits to the head, indicating that he doesn’t take Villeneuve’s criticism seriously.
However, Ricciardo’s reaction raises questions about why he needed to reflect on his performance after the Monaco Grand Prix. It’s worth remembering that Ricciardo had previously expressed doubts about his future in F1. He even considered leaving McLaren earlier, citing the need to refocus after struggling with both McLaren and Renault.
After a stint as a third driver with Red Bull, Ricciardo returned to AlphaTauri in 2023. While he initially showed promise, his recent performances have left much to be desired. Red Bull seems unimpressed, and there’s no commercial agreement between Ricciardo and Red Bull’s title sponsor Visa Cash App.
With Red Bull securing drivers like Sergio Perez and activating options for others like Yuki Tsunoda, Ricciardo finds himself without a contract for 2025. Liam Lawson, Red Bull’s reserve driver, has been patiently waiting for an opportunity and has shown potential in his limited appearances.
At 22, Lawson fits well with Red Bull’s young driver program, and his performance in Singapore showcased his talent. Meanwhile, Ricciardo has only managed to score points in two races since joining AlphaTauri.
While Red Bull hasn’t rushed to confirm its lineup for 2025, time is running out for Ricciardo to prove himself if he wants to stay in Formula 1.
