Why ‘throwback racer’ Gilles Villeneuve was so special

This weekend, Formula 1 drivers will compete at a circuit named after Canada’s legendary racer, Gilles Villeneuve, prompting a look back at what made him so special. F1 Hall of Fame journalist David Tremayne recalls how Villeneuve's aggressive style often led detractors to call him a 'car breaker'. However, his peers, like Alan Jones, offered a more nuanced perspective. Jones vividly described the immense pressure Villeneuve could exert on rivals, even when driving an inferior car against a superior machine like the ground-effect Williams FW07. According to Jones, Villeneuve's relentless pursuit meant that any momentary lapse – even just taking a breath – could cost a driver the hard-won advantage they had established over him. This fierce determination and unwavering intensity, combined with his remarkable car control, made Villeneuve a formidable competitor and a true icon of the sport, leaving an indelible mark on Formula 1 history despite his tragically short career.