Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc’s use of a Gilles Villeneuve tribute helmet sparked controversy in Montreal and Jacques Villeneuve made it a point to set the record straight on Sunday.
On his Instagram account, the son of the legendary pilot who died on the track explained why he initially refused to let Leclerc take over the design of his father’s helmet.
“When I arrived at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, my sister was there [Mélanie] called me annoyed. She had just seen Charles use our father’s helmet without an agreement being reached. The whole family was surprised as we had not been informed beforehand…”
“I immediately forwarded the message to Charles, who was kind enough to answer me by calling me,” continued Jacques Villeneuve. We had a very warm conversation in which he sincerely apologized for this situation. I reassured him by explaining that I find this tribute touching and see no problem with it.
“However, I insisted that he should have contacted my sister as she is responsible for everything concerning our father.” [ses droits d’image, NDLR]. I also suggested that he invite my sister and my mother [Joann] on the race track to clear up any misunderstandings that may still exist.”
Finally, the Villeneuve family allowed Leclerc to wear a helmet at the Canadian Grand Prix.
“Unfortunately, this incident took on disproportionate proportions, causing unnecessary controversy,” concluded the 1997 Formula 1 World Champion.
On Saturday, the Ferrari team invited Mélanie and Joann Villeneuve to its premises.
“Charles was very nice,” Mélanie Villeneuve told motorsport.com. We have no objections. It’s a beautiful tribute.