Gilles VILLENEUVE Biography & Stats

Nationality:  Canada
Born the 18 january 1950 – Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu (Quebec) Die the 8 may 1982 – 32 years – Zolder (Belgique) – Accident durant les essais du GP de Belgique

First Grand Prix: Britain 1977
Last Grand Prix: San Marino 1982

Best Result: 1st
Best Grid Position: 1st

Gilles VILLENEUVE Biography

On January 18, 1950, Gilles Villeneuve was born in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Canada. He was raised in Berthierville and was always passionate about vehicles and driving quickly. Snowmobile racing was where Villeneuve started his professional racing career, and he rapidly achieved success in his home province of Quebec. Later, he switched to single-seater racing, winning the 1976 Formula Atlantic US and Canadian championships.

The McLaren team offered Villeneuve a Formula One drive in 1977 for the British Grand Prix. Ferrari, the defending world champions, took him on for the rest of the season after he dazzled with his performance. Villeneuve continued to operate a Ferrari until his demise in 1982. Six Grand Prix victories and a 1979 Formula One World Championship finish in second position, barely four points behind teammate Jody Scheckter, were all accomplishments during his time with Ferrari.

Tragically, Villeneuve perished in a fast-moving collision at Zolder during qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. Less than two weeks had passed since he got into a furious disagreement with Didier Pironi about a contentious overtaking move at the San Marino Grand Prix. Despite having a brief career, Villeneuve was incredibly well-liked by fans and has now evolved into a legendary character in the annals of motorsport. His son, Jacques Villeneuve, became the first and only Canadian to win the Formula One World Championship in 1997.

Villeneuve’s passion for racing influenced him from an early age. He had two children, Jacques and Mélanie, with Joann Barthe, whom he married in 1970. During the racing season during his career, Villeneuve frequently traveled in an RV with his family. Villeneuve was allegedly seeking a divorce from his wife at the time of his death, but it was later discovered that he was having an extramarital affair.

Early in his career, Villeneuve experienced financial difficulties. He had no other source of income because he was a professional racecar driver and exclusively relied on the money he earned from racing. He used to race snowmobiles and could expect appearance fees in addition to race prizes. He was able to advance through the lower single-seater racing formulas thanks to the financial backing he received from his success in snowmobile racing.

At the 1977 British Grand Prix, Villeneuve made his Formula One debut and astounded the British media with his performance. Nevertheless, McLaren made the decision to part ways with him the following year. For the 1978 season, Villeneuve had no reliable options, but there were reports that Ferrari was interested in signing him. Villeneuve signed a contract with the team for the final two races of 1977 and the entire 1978 season following a productive test session at Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. He frequently voiced his appreciation for getting the chance to drive for Ferrari, since it had been his longtime goal.

Villeneuve’s tenure at Ferrari was distinguished by both achievements and difficulties. He retired several times in 1978, frequently as a result of issues with the brand-new Michelin radial tires. But at the season-ending Canadian Grand Prix, he achieved his maiden Grand Prix victory. Villeneuve had a successful season in 1979, taking home three victories and briefly holding the championship lead. His wheel-banging fight with René Arnoux at the 1979 French Grand Prix is what people most often recall about him.

Ferrari had a terrible 1980 season, as Villeneuve only finished the year with six points. Villeneuve did, however, win two races when Ferrari unveiled the 126C, their first turbocharged F1 vehicle, in 1981. Particularly in the Spanish Grand Prix, where he held five faster cars behind him for the majority of the race, he demonstrated exceptional skill under testing circumstances.

Didier Pironi joined Villeneuve as his partner for the 1982 season as they both remained with Ferrari. The season started off to a strong start for Villeneuve, who finished third in the United States Grand Prix West before being disqualified and led in Brazil until retiring. However, following an incident at the San Marino Grand Prix, resentment developed between Villeneuve and Pironi. Villeneuve felt deceived by Pironi, and Villeneuve’s pledge to never talk to Pironi once more showed that their friendship had broken down.

On May 8, 1982, at Zolder’s final qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix, Villeneuve’s life tragically ended. Villeneuve hit Jochen Mass‘ vehicle and was launched into the air, where he struck the catch netting. Villeneuve was fatally hurt despite the efforts of other drivers who raced to help him. Mass was cleared of any wrongdoing during the accident investigation, which revealed that Villeneuve had made a mistake that caused him to collide with Mass’ car.

The abrupt passing of Villeneuve had a significant effect on the world of motorsport. He was remembered as a talented and brave driver in addition to being a sincere and friendly person. He is now remembered at Grand Prix events, and he has memorials and corners named after him. His son, Jacques Villeneuve, continued his heritage by having a great Formula One career and became the first Canadian to win the World Championship in 1997.

Gilles VILLENEUVE Stats

Wins

Gilles VILLENEUVE has 6 wins in his F1 career

Podiums

Gilles VILLENEUVE has 13 podiums in his F1 career

Pole positions

Gilles VILLENEUVE has 2 pole positions in his F1 career

Grands Prix started

Gilles VILLENEUVE has started 67 Grands Prix in his F1 career

Teammates

Gilles VILLENEUVE has 6 teammates in his F1 career

Result by Grand Prix

Seasons

Gilles VILLENEUVE has raced 6 seasons in his F1 career

Retirement / DNF / Abandon

Gilles VILLENEUVE has 30 retirements in his F1 career