Great Read: F1's forgotten classic

Villeneuve's genius in mangled Ferrari  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ View in browser View in browser ARTICLES MAGAZINE SHOP DATABASE SHOP ARCHIVE F1's forgotten classic: Gilles Villeneuve's genius in mangled Ferrari September 2023 | Matt Bishop Gilles Villeneuve wrestled the Ferrari 126C to two grand prix wins in 1981. But his podium finish at that year's Canadian Grand Prix in torrential conditions, with a damaged car, should be celebrated too, says Matt Bishop. Before he died not only tragically but also needlessly at Zolder in 1982, almost immediately acquiring the posthumous status of Formula 1 demigod, the most common insult levelled at Gilles Villeneuve by his detractors was ‘rock ape’. The prodigious ferocity with which Villeneuve drove his F1 Ferraris, particularly the shitboxes (another technical term beloved of F1 folk, especially back in the day) that he was given in 1980 and 1981, was his critics’ beef, for Villeneuve never left any margin. He was not only sometimes disconcertingly ragged but also often breathtakingly quick. READ MORE F1 Pablo Elizalde F1 set to abandon 50/50 power split in 2027 - what it means Formula 1 will reduce electrification next year following the backlash against the current rules READ MORE F1 Pablo Elizalde F1 set to abandon 50/50 power split in 2027 - what it means Formula 1 will reduce electrification next year following the backlash against the current rules READ MORE F1 Pablo Elizalde The FIA is giving Honda a helping hand, but is that right for F1? The FIA has updated Formula 1's regulations in what appears to be an attempt at helping Honda READ MORE F1 Pablo Elizalde The ultra-elite F1 company Kimi Antonelli joined with Miami GP win Kimi Antonelli's start to 2026 has placed him in an elite Formula 1 group consisting of only Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Mika Häkkinen READ MORE F1 Pablo Elizalde The ultra-elite F1 company Kimi Antonelli joined with Miami GP win Kimi Antonelli's start to 2026 has placed him in an elite Formula 1 group consisting of only Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, Damon Hill and Mika Häkkinen READ MORE Motor Sport Collectables Explore our best-selling collectables, selected for Motor Sport enthusiasts like you. Lotus 72 Pocher Model BUY NOW Porsche 917K Pocher Model BUY NOW F1 Retro 1980 by Mark Hughes BUY NOW Stirling Silver Motor Sport Cufflinks BUY NOW Brabham BT46  Scalextric BUY NOW Lotus 79 Scalextric BUY NOW Update your content preferences UPDATE NOW Connect with us We now accept © 2025 Motor Sport Magazine, All rights reserved. Motor Sport Magazine, 18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE. © 2025 Motor Sport Magazine, All rights reserved. Motor Sport Magazine,  18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE. Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy