Joann Villeneuve: For many, Gilles is a source of inspiration.

      Gilles Villeneuve was not destined to become a world champion, but the Canadian won the love of fans and became a legend of Formula 1 even during his lifetime. Today marks 44 years since his tragic death on the track in Zolder, and an interview with Joann Villeneuve, the widow of the Ferrari driver and mother of Melanie and Jacques, who also became a racer and won the title in 1997, has been published in Gazzetta dello Sport...

      Question: Did you foresee that Gilles would still be so loved today, after all these years? Joann Villeneuve: No, and it is truly touching. His life had a huge impact on people; he became a source of inspiration for new generations. I think he showed everyone that hard work and perseverance bring success. I met him when I was 16, and I saw a snowmobile race in which Gilles participated. At first, I thought everyone drove somewhat like him, but then I realized he did it in a completely special way.

      Question: How did you react when you learned that he sold your house to fund his racing career? Joann Villeneuve: It was quite a surreal moment. He didn't know what to do, but he needed money to pay for the season. I didn't get angry because for me, it was more important that we stayed together. I needed him, not a big house. I was fine if we lived in a motorhome. Over the years, I developed a passion for cars too – after all, he always talked only about cars, engines, and racing.

      With him, I always felt safe, and even when he sped on the highway, I could doze off in the car. I was only scared once because he decided to take me with him in a helicopter despite the storm. He wanted to make sure that all the onboard systems were working properly.

      Question: How did Gilles feel about having to help Jody Scheckter win the championship in 1979? Joann Villeneuve: He always honored all agreements and was very loyal in that regard. He did it without thinking. That’s why he was so upset when Didier Pironi broke the agreements at the 1982 San Marino Grand Prix. For Gilles, a handshake was as important as a signature, and he felt betrayed at that moment.

      Question: How did you feel about Pironi's girlfriend naming their sons Gilles and Didier? Did you not think it was a strange choice? Joann Villeneuve: Their relationship started after that race in Imola, and she only heard one version of what happened. Let's say we perceived that moment differently. She didn't ask me for permission to use Gilles' name, but the twins were born after their father's death, and I didn't want to be petty because I wanted to earn her respect.

      Question: For many years, it seemed that Jacques had a complicated relationship with his father's memory, but in the end, he decided to name his fifth child Gilles... Joann Villeneuve: He was very concerned; carrying that surname was not easy. He was always compared to his father, but Jacques wanted to live his own life. You can't say that by winning the championship title, he completed the work started by Gilles – no, he did it for himself, fulfilling his dream.

      Question: What impression did Enzo Ferrari make on you? Joann Villeneuve: I rarely saw him because I stayed with the children in Monte Carlo and didn't go to Fiorano. In general, we only had dinner together two or three times. I was always struck by his ability to find the right words. Gilles had immense respect for the Commendatore, and it was clear that they had a very close relationship.

      Enzo was not there in Imola that weekend, and he learned about what happened from Marco Piccinini, whom Pironi asked to be a witness at the wedding. Therefore, at first, Ferrari did not defend Gilles, but later changed his mind when we explained to him what actually happened.

      Question: Did you continue to have contact with Enzo Ferrari after your husband's death? Joann Villeneuve: Yes, he wrote to me, and a year later we met again when a monument to Gilles was erected in Fiorano. Ferrari was always very kind to me.

      Question: Do you still follow Formula 1? Joann Villeneuve: I am a very passionate fan and appreciate what Lewis Hamilton does, as he tries to do a lot of good. Now he is not only an experienced and successful driver – Lewis has become a star beyond the track.

      Question: Are there drivers who remind you of Gilles in some way? Joann Villeneuve: Max Verstappen – with his dedication to racing, and Charles Leclerc – with his character traits. The Dutchman shows a love for motorsport by competing in different categories, which drivers of that caliber do not always do. He is an emotional person, and his performances leave a strong impression.

      And Charles, on the contrary, is calm and reserved, but when he gets behind the wheel of a racing car, he becomes completely different. He does so much for Ferrari, yet receives less than he deserves – and that reminds me a bit of my husband.