Daniel Ricciardo issues fiery response to critics at Canadian Grand Prix: ‘Eat s**t’

Daniel Ricciardo has returned to Jacques Villeneuve, telling the former F1 world champion to eat ‘s**t’ after his best qualifying performance of the F1 season.

Ex-champion Jacques Villeneuve yesterday questioned why Ricciardo is still in F1, declaring his image ultimately saved his career in a savage tirade on live television.

While being interviewed by Sky Sports in Montreal on Sunday morning, Ricciardo explained that he had just heard of the F1 great’s scathing comments.

‘I was just told (about Villeneuve’s comments). I don’t listen or read, but there are certainly people who… yeah, whatever,” Ricciardo said.

Daniel Ricciardo has returned to Jacques Villeneuve, telling the former champion to eat ‘s**t’ after his best qualifying performance this year

Jacques Villeneuve (pictured) has wondered why Daniel Ricciardo is still in F1

“I don’t give them the time of day. But yeah, top five, I’ve been fast all weekend. We are less than two tenths from pole.

“So, eat the damn thing.”

In another interview reported by Speedcafe.com the Australian also flew at Villeneuve.

“I still don’t know what he said, but I heard he was talking nonsense,” Ricciardo said after qualifying.

‘But he always does that. I think he hit his head a few too many times. I don’t know if he plays hockey or something.

“Anyway, I’m not giving him time, but all these people are devastated. I want to say more, but it’s okay. We’ll leave him behind.’

Ricciardo will start the Canadian Grand Prix fifth after his best qualifying performance of the season.

George Russell took an extraordinary pole position for the GP – level with Max Verstappen at 1 minute and 12,000 seconds.

Ricciardo (photo) will start the Canadian Grand Prix fifth, after his best qualifying performance of the season

It was a dramatic qualifying session with the threat of rain persisting and falling on and off. Everyone had to be on their toes – a point Russell underlined when he simply held on to his sliding car at Turn 4 during Q2.

Lando Norris will start third, an agonizing 0.021 seconds off the pace, one place 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 he has given him.

“Daniel Ricciardo should pay Jacques Villeneuve a bonus for the motivation he gave him this weekend,” Sky’s David Croft said.

“That is by far the best qualifying day of the season for Daniel Ricciardo so far.”

The Australian driver was enthusiastic after the session and could hear his celebrations over the team radio.

“F**k yes,” he said.