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 has not minced words when it comes to Australian cult hero Daniel Ricciardo.

In a brutal takedown, the former face of Williams declared that the Perth-born driver could only remain relevant in the sport because of his immense popularity – not his driving skills.

“Ricciardo is a pure product of image and modern social media,” he said BetIdeas.com.

‘You cannot base his long career on results. You just can’t do that. They don’t pile up.

‘It is awesome. He can thank Netflix (thanks to the Drive To Survive series) and all that stuff.

“His smile, his attitude in front of the camera… he (also) adds value to F1 and that’s why he’s there.”

The fiery Canadian wasn’t done yet, stating: ‘There are many drivers who are as fast as him (Ricciardo) but don’t have his image. So you might as well take the one with the picture.’

It is unknown why Villeneuve – who won eleven Grand Prix races in a brilliant career – has Ricciardo in his sights.

The Australian has also yet to respond publicly 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.

The Aussie will ride for the renamed Visa Cash App RB team and will once again team up with Japan’s Yuki Tsunoda. He is confident the pair will hold their own after encouraging results in pre-season testing.

“The preparation was good… I think some things have improved, which is always nice,” Ricciardo said.

“It’s also normal after a few months of development… I feel comfortable.”