Down-the-line.com / Formula 1. Former driver, 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve spoke about the situation of Daniel Ricciardo at McLaren. After a series of unsuccessful performances, the team leader had already started to kindly criticize him. Villeneuve hasn’t ruled out the Australian leaving the team soon.

“Ricciardo’s time at McLaren is coming to an end. Team boss Zac Brown is already talking directly about the option to terminate the contract. I think the decision has already been made. And such statements are an attempt to make pressure on the driver, as well as preparing the press and public for change.

Riccardo is costing the team too much because of his high salary. At the same time, he hardly scores any points. It’s just very expensive for the team.

Villeneuve has not ruled out Hamilton ending his career during the season

For McLaren, it would be more profitable to pay Ricciardo a salary so that he sits at home on the sofa, and not behind the wheel of a car,” quotes GP Today Villeneuve.