Jacques Villeneuve SLAMS online abuse over Charles Leclerc’s Gilles Villeneuve tribute helmet controversy

Jacques Villeneuve mentioned that his family faced abuse on social media surrounding Charles Leclerc's tribute helmet.

Jacques Villeneuve SLAMS online abuse over Charles Leclerc’s Gilles Villeneuve tribute helmet controversy

Gilles Villeneuve, image via Motorsport.com, Charles Leclerc, image via PlanetF1

Charles Leclerc introduced a special helmet design for the Canadian GP. The Monegasque driver paid tribute to former world champion Gilles Villeneuve with a throwback helmet to the late legend. However, the Villeneuve family had an issue with Leclerc’s helmet because they weren’t asked permission. Jacques Villeneuve has now hit back after facing hate on social media.

Due to Leclerc’s helmet design, the 52-year-old went on social media to clarify the entire situation. Jacques said, “Some individuals felt the need to insult me and my family over Charles Leclerc using my dad’s helmet.” The Canadian highlighted that fans on social media had blown the dispute out of proportion and made it a massive controversy.

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Jacques Villeneuve even mentioned that the family had no objection over the design as the 25-year-old swiftly apologized for not asking for prior permission. The former F1 driver said he had no personal issues with Charles’ helmet. Instead, the 52-year-old told the Monegasque about being in contact with his sister, Melanie, who is responsible for all image rights about their father.

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“We have no objections,” Villeneuve family on Charles Leclerc’s helmet

Charles Leclerc with the Villeneuve family during the Canadian GP weekend
Charles Leclerc with the Villeneuve family during the Canadian GP weekend

Villeneuve even suggested Ferrari and Leclerc invite his family to the Canadian GP to witness Gilles Villeneuve‘s helmet design again. Any further issues or objections could be clarified in the paddock. Melanie Villeneuve expressed that they had no problems with Charles adopting the design. She said, “Charles was very sweet about it. We have no objections. It’s a nice tribute.”

Charles Leclerc will continue to use this special helmet design for the Canadian GP with no more controversies regarding the design. The 25-year-old will be heading in for a tough race at the circuit named after the late Canadian driver. The Monegasque qualified outside the Top 10 after a poor strategic call by the Ferrari garage in changeable conditions.

Thus, Jacques Villeneuve has hit out against online abuse faced by his family surrounding the helmet controversy. The 52-year-old clearly said such hate is unjustified and cannot be tolerated. Although the issue has been cleared, Villeneuve and Leclerc can leave this behind and look forward to an exciting Canadian GP.

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