It's hard to believe, but it's been 42 years since Formula 1 lost one of its most iconic stars in its over seventy-year history.
Gilles Villeneuve died on this day in 1982 in a terrible crash at Zolder during qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, aged just 32.
Considered by many as one of the best drivers never to win the world championship, the Canadian's "maximum attack" approach to racing endeared him to all, including to many of his rivals.
On the day of Villeneuve's funeral in Quebec, his former Ferrari team mate Jody Scheckter delivered a fitting eulogy:
"I’ll miss Gilles for two reasons. First, he was the most genuine man I have ever known. Second, he was the fastest racing driver in the history of motor racing".
©Paul-Henri Cahier
