And Colossally That's History S2 E6: Three races that explain the genius of Gilles Villeneuve
Added 2024-11-08 13:10:22 +0000 UTCOn this episode, Matt and Richard explore the genius of one of Formula 1's most celebrated drivers: Gilles Villeneuve.
The unassuming French-Canadian only won six Grands Prix in his all-too-short career, but his reputation remains up there with the very best, and his legacy still looms large over the sport, not least because of his artistry behind the wheel and pure love of racing.
To help reappraise the Villeneuve legend, Matt and Richard have picked out three races from his F1 career which they use as jumping off points to discuss what made the late, great Ferrari star so revered by fans, and especially by Enzo Ferrari - even if some of Villeneuve's peers weren't always so effusive about his uncompromising approach to racing...
Comments
Have been saving this one until this week, when headed to the track named after him!
Cory Caouette
2025-06-08 15:04:05 +0000 UTCI did indeed watch the Sky documentary and I thought it was excellent - but I doubt many F1 fans have actually seen it which is perhaps the point I'm making. And fair point re: lack of footage, at least in Ayrton's time there was lots of unseen FOM and news footage they could delve into to tell the story
Stuart Coulter
2024-11-11 17:10:31 +0000 UTCRichard and Matt, not sure if this has been suggested already but I for one would very much appreciate a "recommended for further reading" list appended to the episode description. I really enjoyed reading Richard's book on Ayrton Senna after hearing it mentioned on the pod and now intend to pick up the Donaldson book on Gilles. There are a lot of F1 books out there so your commentary is very helpful in separating the wheat from the chaff. Thanks for your consideration, and for the pod!
928pilot
2024-11-11 10:13:16 +0000 UTCThe Villeneuve / Pironi one-off by Sky was pretty good (if you're in the UK and can get it). I think the biggest problem is the lack of footage (and the quality of the footage that exists,) but I agree, if they could do what they did with Senna (more balanced!) and even go back to Formula Atlantic and even the snow-mobiling (I wish!) it would inform many about the man.
Oscar Robledo
2024-11-10 21:02:12 +0000 UTCI often think Gilles is overlooked/forgotten particularly by a modern F1 fanbase simply because his raw achievements (statistically) are disproportionate to his ability and flair behind the wheel. You'd wonder if he got the same cinematic treatment as Senna, might he be perceived differently?
Stuart Coulter
2024-11-10 20:58:03 +0000 UTCJust listened to this excellent episode (I have to catch up on the others1) and it was great to hear the quotes that are scattered in a single place. Gilles encapsulates what an ideal racing driver should be in my opinion: quick, competitive, hard, but scrupulously fair with a never give up attitude. How some of the current (and more recent) drivers could learn from Gillesβ attributes
Oscar Robledo
2024-11-10 15:09:50 +0000 UTCWhat a band name Snowmobiles & Centrifugal Force would be. π€£π
Stranded_Colourwork
2024-11-08 17:13:52 +0000 UTC
