WATCH: Ferrari’s Future Charles Leclerc Honors Maranello’s ‘Iconic’ F1 Past in Gilles Villeneuve

Unnerved! Unbothered! Reckless! is how many would define F1 from the 80s. And recently, Charles Leclerc honored Gilles Villeneuve, who personified that era and is often hailed as Ferrari’s very best from the time.

Even to this day, Villeneuve has remained admirable for his talent. In fact, Tifosi gave their current driver, Leclerc, a chance to ride his famed car from a particular race.

Gilles Villeneuve was a tremendous talent!

Gilles was a phenomenon for the Maranello team. He was quick, wanted to be the best, and was fast, irrespective of the circumstances. The Canadian was amazingly quick in slow corners. And he was never afraid of pushing the car to its very limits. Sadly, the Ferrari man lost his life after a crash with Jochen Mass during the qualifying of the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix.

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The charismatic driver was having a tumultuous ’82 season. He, alongside teammate, Didier Pironi found it hard to navigate Ferrari through hardships. However, Villeneuve’s crash or his struggles do not define his career. In fact, his notorious battle with Rene Arnoux is a reference to the pinnacle of racing to this day. He even got into some wheel-banging duels with the Frenchman during the 1979 French Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc and Rene Arnoux pay tribute to Gilles

These days, wheel-to-wheel racing is so rare. But back in those days, Villeneuve and Arnoux made sure to leave their audience shocked. They left no stone unturned as they gave each other tough competition for second place.

On Gilles’ 40th death anniversary, Tifosi invited Arnoux to reflect on those days. He said, “I’ve a lot of, lot of memory here… I spend really a good time with Enzo and also to drive a special car a Formula 1 car. Maybe it was the best time in Formula 1.”

Watching the same car Gilles competed in against him, Rene further added, “This car is special for me not this car because I was driving for Renault at this time, but to have a big war in Dijon with Gilles.”

Gilles is understandably an icon to many. The driver was a Ferrari man, which is a dream for many youngsters. Reflecting on Gilles’ legacy and fight with Rene, Leclerc added, ” With driving at those speeds, so close to each other, it’s exceptional. Power is impressive. I mean how quick they were… There is part of the legend of Ferrari but also of Gilles Villeneuve. Makes me emotional to be the driver chosen to be driving this car today.”

Gilles might have passed away a long time ago, but he left behind a legacy to be proud of.

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