via Getty
ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 02: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia in the (3) McLaren MCL36 Mercedes during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 02, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Alex Pantling – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
via Getty
ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 02: Daniel Ricciardo of Australia in the (3) McLaren MCL36 Mercedes during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 02, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Alex Pantling – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
If Formula 1 had an actual poster, Daniel Ricciardo would probably feature on it. However, his career has dipped ever since he joined McLaren in 2021. For F1 fans, the Honey Badger will always remain that killer late-braking master. Though a certain World Champion thinks otherwise.
1997 Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has come out with a very critical statement in light of the Ricciardo to Alpine rumors. According to him, the Australian does not deserve a seat at the French team in light of his nightmarish run with McLaren.
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His comments were not taken well by the F1 community that generally adores Ricciardo. What’s more, Villeneuve also feels that Ricciardo’s stint at Renault (now Alpine) was also a failure. Fans have now reacted to the Canadian’s comments.
Fans react to unjustified Daniel Ricciardo slamming in light of Alpine rumors
Formula 1 fans on Twitter have taken a very strong stance on the criticism that has been bestowed on Ricciardo. Let’s take a look at some of the fan reactions that were posted on Twitter in light of the comments made by Villeneuve.
jacques: pic.twitter.com/2veCcpfX8I
— 🥒 (@goattianvettel) September 14, 2022
Don’t listen to what Villneuve has to say, seems like he can’t see any good talent a part from Verstappen. Ricciardo did such a great job at Renault. He bet Ocon most of the time and offered two podiums (with a slower car than now).
— halphatory (@halphatory) September 14, 2022
Lol this take is terrible. Ricciardo finished 5th in the drivers in 2020 with a Renault that Esteban ocon could only put 12th. 2021 and 2022 have been pretty terrible don’t get me wrong, but monza proved that he still has that fight in him, and that he’s still capable of results.
— Ollie cane (@OllieCane) September 14, 2022
I mean I'm not pro-Ricciardo by any means but bad take imo. It's like I'd still take Seb if I got the chance. Sure both him and Danny might not be at the level to give you a championship anymore but in the right car they can give you wins.
— Jesse (@Trip4ndFall) September 14, 2022
What if Daniel Ricciardo just tweeted ‘Who the fuck is Jacques Villeneuve?’ then closed twitter
— Rebeka³ (@lovingricciard0) September 14, 2022
Daniel Ricciardo left Red Bull at the end of 2018. It is common knowledge around the paddock that this was to get out of the shadow of Max Verstappen. He then moved on to join Renault in 2019 and had a decent season with the team. However, a stellar season with the team in 2020 meant that his move to McLaren seemed like a match made in heaven.
Read More: As F1 Career Takes Staggering Hit, Will Daniel Ricciardo Pursue His American Dream Instead?
This was not the case as he has languished behind his teammate Lando Norris ever since he joined the team. Even though his performances at McLaren have been sub-par, fans are angry that the entire blame of the fallout has been dumped on Ricciardo by Villeneuve.
clown him for his McLaren years is fair but saying he did awful at renault is just.. not true in the slightest
— Zoë 🏁 (@rbrzoe) September 14, 2022
I don’t think it is fair to say his second year at Renault was terrible. He did pretty well in 2020 I thought. 2 podiums & he was 5th I think on the. Drivers standings.
— Snooze123456 (@snooze123456) September 14, 2022
Fans have now started targeting Villeneuve for his comments.
This was what Renault had to say about villeneuve btw pic.twitter.com/i0yr4wNnOm
— speedy🏁 (@ZoomZoom990) September 14, 2022
Villeneuve is very experienced in knowing how bad anyone's career is. Like himself he had 2 good years and 9 bad to worse seasons
— Joost Landzaat (@Joost_Landzaat) September 14, 2022
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McLaren recently announced that they will be replacing the Daniel with Oscar Piastri from the 2023 season onwards. In light of this, the Honey Badger has been linked with a number of teams. Frontrunners for his services are his old employer, Alpine. However, he has also been linked with a seat at Haas and the reserve driver seat at Mercedes.
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Do you think Daniel Ricciardo does not deserve a second chance at Alpine?
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