James Lawton: Villeneuve exit suggests tale of missed opportunities

Monday 06 October 2003 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The news that Jacques Villeneuve has probably driven in his last Grand Prix is surely a matter of regret.

The quirkish son of the brilliant, wild Gilles, the young Villeneuve conquered many demons before he won his one and only Formula One championship after a brilliant career in Indycars.

I first met him in a motorhome in deepest Ohio, soon after the announcement that he would be joining the Williams team. He talked about his love of being on the edge on a race track - on the edge but in control. He also talked of his love for Japanese music. It seemed to me that he would be an engaging and brilliant arrival on the big circuit. And so he was, until he took the money and finished up in the uncompetitive BAR car. He wasn't the only loser. In a serious car, Villeneuve would have given Schumacher the challenge that only now Juan Pablo Montoya is taking up. And all of FI has been the poorer for this.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in