Charles Leclerc unveiled a tribute helmet for former Ferrari and Canadian racing icon Gilles Villeneuve ahead of the 2023 Canadian GP. However, the Monegasque driver was barred from sporting the helmet by Villeneuve’s kin.
The 5-time GP winner had posted an image of his new racing helmet ahead of the race in Montreal. Leclerc had unveiled a helmet, inspired by the Canadian drivers’ iconic black and red helmet design.
His F1 world champion son Jacques has objected to the driver’s use of his father’s helmet design. However, Villeneuve’s widow Joann and daughter Melanie approved the tribute helmet.
Jacques Villeneuve objects to Charles Leclerc’s helmet paying tribute to father
Charles Leclerc was barred from running the Gilles Villeneuve tribute helmet for the 2023 Canadian GP because his family and son Jacques Villeneuve, have objected to the driver’s design.
The 1997 world champion Jacques objected to the Ferrari driver copying his father’s trademarked helmet, forbidding him from sporting it in the coming race. He urged the Ferrari driver should have alerted the family before applying the design.
Earlier Sky Sports’ Ted Kravitz shared, “We understand that the Villeneuve family and Jacques Villeneuve were unhappy, with the appearance of the Ferrari logos on and felt that there could be a bit more consultation.”
Later, Leclerc and Ferrari apologized to the former world champion’s family present at the race for not consulting them. After a friendly chat, they approved his usage of the helmet.
Jacques however stressed that legal implications could have been involved for imitating his father’s hemet. However, Leclerc’s fans suspect a deeper disliking of the Canadian driver could be the reason behind it.
Does Jacques Villeneuve dislike Charles Leclerc?
Jacques Villeneuve has been critical of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc on numerous occasions. Fans believe this could be an underlying reason why the 1997 world champion does not want to see Leclerc sport his father’s tribute helmet.
The former world champion has often criticized Leclerc for his on-track errors. He famously slammed the Monegasque driver, after the 2023 British GP. Leclerc lost the race to his teammate Carlos Sainz due to Ferrari not allowing him to take the lead.
The Canadian claimed Leclerc needs to be humble and work on his communication with the team. He earlier claimed Leclerc is more prone to making mistakes, in comparison to rival Max Verstappen.
Fans believe this could be the reason why Villeneuve forbade Leclerc’s helmet. However, these are just speculations by passionate fans, without any knowledge of what happens in the background.
Gilles Villeneuve is a legend in the racing community and paved the way for Canadians in the sport. His contribution to motorsport and his legacy will always remain protected.
