The use of a Gilles Villeneuve tribute helmet by Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is causing controversy in Montreal, and Jacques Villeneuve made a point of setting the record straight on Sunday.
On his Instagram account, the son of the legendary pilot who died on the track explained why he had initially refused that Leclerc take over the design of his father’s helmet.
“When I arrived at the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal, my sister [Mélanie] called me upset. She had just seen that Charles was using our father’s helmet without any agreement having been made. The whole family was taken by surprise, as we had not been informed beforehand…”
“I immediately transmitted the message to Charles, who was nice enough to answer me by calling me, continued Jacques Villeneuve. We had a very warm discussion, where he sincerely apologized for this situation. I reassured him by explaining to him that I found this touching tribute and that I saw no problem in it.
“However, I insisted that he should have contacted my sister, because she is the one responsible for everything related to our dad [ses droits d’image, NDLR]. I also suggested that he invite my sister and my mother [Joann] on the circuit to clear up any misunderstandings that may remain.”
Eventually, the Villeneuve family allowed Leclerc to wear a helmet during the Canadian Grand Prix.
“Alas, this incident took on disproportionate proportions, which produced unnecessary controversy,” concluded the F1 world champion in 1997.
On Saturday, the Ferrari team invited Mélanie and Joann Villeneuve to its facilities.
“Charles was very nice,” Mélanie Villeneuve told motorsport.com. We have no objection. It’s a beautiful tribute.”