Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 Formula 1 champion, has raised eyebrows with his critical comments about the ever-smiling Daniel Ricciardo. While Ricciardo is known for his infectious positivity and can often be seen with a wide grin, Villeneuve’s recent remarks suggest he is not a fan of this cheerful demeanor.
Villeneuve questioned the motivations of young drivers who aspire to follow in Ricciardo’s footsteps, hinting that they might be more focused on commercial appeal than the passion for racing. He remarked, “I would ask kids who want to be drivers today – do you want it out of passion or because you want to be like Daniel Ricciardo, smiling in commercials?”
Daniel Ricciardo, despite facing challenges in recent years in Formula 1, has maintained his trademark smile. Last year, when he learned that he had lost his McLaren seat to Oscar Piastri, Ricciardo turned up at the United States Grand Prix riding a horse, displaying a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. Follow your favourite F1 team with attractive F1 betting odds from Nextbet.
Villeneuve’s comments may come across as critical of Ricciardo’s joyful image, but the Australian driver’s resilience and upbeat outlook have earned him a significant following in the sport.
Villeneuve also shared his thoughts on other drivers in Formula 1. He praised Carlos Sainz for his continuous improvement and contribution to the teams he has raced for. He further emphasized that drivers today enjoy a high level of protection and should be given more freedom, even if it means making mistakes.
While acknowledging the competitive nature of Red Bull Racing, Villeneuve asserted that the truly unbeatable force in Formula 1 is Max Verstappen. He praised Verstappen’s maturity from a young age and the influence of his father, who played a pivotal role in shaping him into a championship-caliber driver.
Villeneuve’s candid remarks provide an interesting perspective on the world of Formula 1, highlighting the diverse opinions within the sport and the unique qualities of each driver that make it one of the most exciting and unpredictable racing series in the world. Get the latest updates from the world of F1 only on Nextbet Sports.
