Jean Alesi on his admiration for Ferrari great Gilles Villeneuve

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi shares his deep admiration for F1 legend Gilles Villeneuve, citing Villeneuve's spectacular 1981 Monaco victory as his earliest and most influential memory of the sport. Alesi notes that while people often compared his own passionate, instinctive driving style to the Canadian's, he never intentionally modeled his racing after him. Alesi highlights Villeneuve's relentless determination to push a car to its absolute limits, even when damaged, as a key reason for his enduring legacy. He also reflects on the tragedy of Villeneuve's death and the deep emotional connection he holds to the number 27, which became synonymous with his own time at Ferrari. Finally, Alesi recounts a poignant encounter with Jacques Villeneuve, Gilles' son. Having been frustrated by comments Jacques made regarding his father's legacy, Alesi confronted him during a flight, urging him to honor the profound impact and heroism of his father, acknowledging the lasting pain and complexity surrounding the Villeneuve family history.