“Is That What F1 Is?” – Former Formula 1 Champion Likens Saudi Arabian GP Commotion to ‘Rental Karting’

The 1997 Formula 1 champion, Jacques Villeneuve, recently shared his thoughts and opinion on the controversial Saudi Arabian GP discourse. He also expressed his opinion on the controversial collision in Saudi Arabia between the two title rivals and his predictions for the deciding race in Abu Dhabi.

Villeneuve was extremely critical of the incidents in Jeddah. He referred to the race as ‘rental karting’ instead of F1. He asked whether everyone wants a good race or a Hollywood show. Because, if the demand is for the latter, then the race in Jeddah was ‘amazing’. 

Speaking to Motorsport, he said, “Is that what F1 is? I don’t know. I think Frank [Williams] would have turned in his grave when he saw this race.” (Translated via Google Translate)

“When you see the team managers, everyone shouts, puts pressure on the marshals, etc, that gets ridiculous. It really got ridiculous. It was great for the fans. So it’s probably going to increase viewership, and that’s great for F1. But we’re starting to move away from sport, that’s everything.”

Villeneuve blames DRS lines as the cause of the collision

The controversial coming together of the Mercedes and the Red Bull was divisive. Because some people blamed Hamilton and some blamed Verstappen. But Villeneuve thinks the problem is something else, something which is inherently a part of the sport today, something stupid. 

“The problem is those stupid DRS lines. Lewis didn’t want to cut the DRS line before Max. He knew Max was letting him through. He just didn’t want Max to have the DRS in the next straight because he was there.”

“So they both played dumb.”

But regardless, the 97 champion feels the end result was only right – “This weekend Lewis deserved to win no matter what.”

Who will win the 2021 Formula 1 title in Abu Dhabi?

Villeneuve suggested the circuit is suited for Red Bull, but any circuit becomes Hamilton’s territory considering the engine he has. But no matter who wins this epic title race in Abu Dhabi, the former Williams driver hoped the superior driver wins in a clean race.

“I just hope we have a neat and clean race. And that the best wins.”

Undoubtedly, everyone hopes for a cleaner race, regardless of the drama element. But anyway, we’re all set to see who the best among the two drivers are. It’s only a matter of days now.

Also Read: Former F1 Team Boss Reveals What He Would Change About ‘Rattled’ Lewis Hamilton