Former F1 world champ says Daniel Ricciardo is only in the sport because people love him on social media: ‘He can thank Netflix for being on the grid’

Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve hasn’t minced his words when it comes to Aussie cult hero Daniel Ricciardo.

In a savage takedown, the one-time face of Williams declared the Perth-born driver has only been able to remain relevant in the sport due to his immense popularity – not his driving skills.

‘Ricciardo is a pure product of image and modern day social media,’ he told BetIdeas.com.

‘You can’t base his long career on results. You just can’t. They don’t stack up.

‘It is amazing. He can thank Netflix [thanks to its Drive To Survive series] and all that kind of stuff. 

The one-time face of Williams declared the Perth-born driver only stays relevant due to his immense popularity 

The 1997 F1 world champion believes Ricciardo should be thanking Drive To Survive maker Netflix for the fact he’s still on the grid

‘His smile, his attitude in front of the camera… he [also] brings value to F1 and that’s why he is there.’

The fiery Canadian wasn’t finished, declaring: ‘There are many drivers who are as quick as him [Ricciardo] but don’t have his image. So, you might as well take the one with the image.’

It is unknown why Villeneuve – who won 11 grand prix races across a glittering career – has Ricciardo in his sights.

The Aussie is also yet to publicly respond to the scathing criticism.

This weekend the 34-year-old has the chance to silence the doubters – and 1997 world champion Villeneuve – when he competes in the Bahrain Grand Prix.

Driving for the renamed Visa Cash App RB team, the Aussie will again partner Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda and is quietly confident the pair will hold their own after encouraging results in pre-season testing.

‘It [preparation] has been good … I think some things have improved, which is always nice,’ Ricciardo said.

‘It is also natural after a few months of development … I’m feeling comfortable.’