Daniel Ricciardo Fires Back at Criticism

Daniel Ricciardo arrived in Montreal under pressure, as his campaign had been lackluster compared to his RB team-mate Yuki Tsunoda.



Criticized by ex-F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve, Ricciardo nevertheless performed competitively at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, qualifying within the top five.



Despite a clutch issue that resulted in a five-second penalty for a start infraction and the challenge of changeable weather conditions, Ricciardo managed to secure an eighth-place finish.



He was relieved to have a complete and successful weekend, having clinched fourth in the Sprint in Miami but later facing a Q1 elimination.



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“It’s the first weekend I’ve got well, start to finish,” Ricciardo told Speedcafe.



“Obviously Miami, half of it was really good and the other half not so, so it’s nice to just be competitive from Friday through Sunday.



“And a race like this, it’s so hard, mentally and everything.



“It is draining.



“You can’t expect to do a perfect race when it’s like this, but I felt like in all these conditions, we managed to still pull out a result, with a few challenges along the way.”



Ricciardo shared that he entered the event with added determination, which he believes is crucial for future races.



“I think that little energy, a little bit of a chip on my shoulder I brought into the weekend, I’ve got to make sure that stays there and just keep that level of intensity,” he said.



“I don’t know if I need to be a bit angry or just get my testosterone up, but I think it helps me.”



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Ricciardo’s first points in 2024 grand prix conditions extended RB’s lead over Haas in the Constructors’ Championship to 21 points.



Additionally, his four-point haul moved him up two spots in the Drivers’ standings to 12th, although he remains 10 points behind Tsunoda.



The next race will see Ricciardo return to Barcelona, the track where he achieved his first F1 podium in 2014, for the annual Spanish Grand Prix.
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