At the end of 2024, there was speculation that Daniel Ricciardo would replace Sergio Pérez at Red Bull in 2025. Ricciardo had expressed his desire to return to the team he left in 2018, but his performance with AlphaTauri, now Red Bull, was not impressive. Pérez secured a contract extension through 2026, ending Ricciardo’s hopes of moving up. Ricciardo acknowledged that he needed to do better to secure a top seat in Formula One.
Jacques Villeneuve, a former F1 world champion, criticized Ricciardo for his poor performance and suggested that his image, rather than his results, kept him in the sport. Ricciardo admitted that he needed to improve and find more performance in himself. Following Villeneuve’s comments, Ricciardo had a strong qualifying session in Montreal, placing fifth on the grid, just two-tenths off pole position. This performance was timed perfectly, coming after Pérez’s contract extension was announced.
Ricciardo’s strong qualifying session in Montreal was seen as a significant improvement and a direct response to Villeneuve’s criticism. Ricciardo had made a conscious effort to understand why he was struggling, seeking feedback from his team and inner circle. Despite starting from the back due to a jump start penalty, Ricciardo finished in eighth place, earning valuable points. This marked his first points-scoring race of the season and a step in the right direction.
The Canadian Grand Prix weekend was a positive one for Ricciardo, with every session from practice to the race showing improvement. Ricciardo was pleased with his performance and hoped to continue the momentum. He acknowledged that he needed to maintain the intensity and energy he had brought to the Montreal weekend. With time on his side, Ricciardo aims to prove himself to Red Bull and secure an extension with the team, with reserve driver Liam Lawson waiting in the wings.
Ricciardo reflected on the need to keep pushing and maintain a competitive edge. He admitted that he needed to tap into a certain level of intensity, whether it be anger or heightened testosterone, to perform at his best. Ricciardo’s goal is to build on the success of the Montreal weekend and continue to show his capabilities as a top driver in Formula One. The challenge now lies in replicating his performance consistently and proving that he deserves a place in the elite ranks of the sport.
