The Canadian GP saw a controversy break out when Charles Leclerc was not allowed to run his Gilles Villeneuve tribute helmet by his family. However, the issue was soon resolved when Gilles’ son and former F1 champion, Jacques Villeneuve, stepped up to fix things.
Jacques issued a statement on social media explaining his side of the whole fiasco. He said that Villeneuve’s family had taken offense initially because Leclerc had not asked for their permission before running the tribute helmet. The Monegasque had not even informed them about his tribute in advance.
Charles Leclerc is paying tribute to former Ferrari driver Gilles Villeneuve with a special helmet this weekend ❤️🇨🇦
The Canadian won six F1 races including the first to be held at Montreal in 1978 before tragically losing his life in a qualifying accident just four years later. pic.twitter.com/vOXRvwZ07q
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) June 16, 2023
However, when Jacques realized what had happened, he passed the message to Leclerc. The Ferrari driver instantly called up Jacques and had a conversation with him regarding the same. Leclerc apologized to the Villeneuve family and the whole situation was defused.
Jacques Villeneuve resolved the helmet issue with Charles Leclerc
Jacques revealed that on the call with Leclerc, he explained that even though it was a touching gesture by him, the latter should have reached out to Jacques’ sister. The 1997 World Champion told Leclerc that it is his sister who takes care of everything relating to his father’s legacy. Therefore, it was important to seek her permission.
Jacques said, “I emphasized the importance of him reaching out to my sister, as she is the one in charge of everything related to our father”
Jacques Villeneuve’s answer to Charles’ helmet issue pic.twitter.com/SG5TSfSvDP
— clara (@leclercsletters) June 18, 2023
Jacques Villeneuve then revealed that Leclerc went ahead and invited him and his sister to the track as a gesture of goodwill. He also commented that the whole incident has been blown out of proportion and that the controversy was absolutely unnecessary.
Jacques Villeneuve unnecessarily attacked by Ferrari fans
When it was revealed that the Villeneuve family didn’t allow Leclerc to run the tribute helmet, various fans attacked Jacques for the issue. Some fans brought up previous instances where Jacques had spoken against Leclerc.
genuine question, what does jacques villeneuve have against charles leclerc? pic.twitter.com/j7NYRmR4Qp
— Holly 🏁 (@lentaholly) June 17, 2023
Jacques Villeneuve should learn from Mick Schumacher. Look at his face shining from happiness over the fact that Esteban is paying tribute to his father Michael Schumacher. pic.twitter.com/ZJXG55d7hG
— Q. (@leclercstyre) June 17, 2023
However, in the end, it was Jacques Villeneuve himself who stepped up to resolve the issue. If not for him, then the whole issue would have escalated further and things would have turned ugly.
All’s well that ends well. Leclerc posed for some photos with the Villeneuve sisters after the race and explained, “It was certainly a good moment because I wanted to do this tribute in good faith.”
