Villeneuve takes another aim at Stroll
- Published on 04 Jan 2018 11:50
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- By: Fergal Walsh
1997 Formula 1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve has once again spoken out in criticism of his compatriot Lance Stroll. Stroll made his debut in F1 last year for Williams, finishing twelfth in the standings with 40 points.
Villeneuve was a frequent critic of the 19-year-old in 2017, branding him as one of the worst rookies in the history of F1. Stroll hit back, claiming that Villeneuve never has anything nice to say about him, and didn't even support him in his junior career.
Despite a shaky start to his year, Stroll racked up seven top-ten finishes in his debut year, including a podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. However, Villeneuve has played Stroll's achievements down, claiming Williams has sold its soul to the Canadian family.
"Even [Felipe] Massa was faster than Lance," Villeneuve said. "His podium in Baku does not convince me as it was pure luck. They already sold their soul to the billions of Lawrence Stroll, who only cares about his son."
Wiliams is due to announce its 2018 driver line-up sometime in January, as it will fit Massa's replacement. With Massa now retired, it is believed that Russian Sergey Sirotkin is now the favourite for the drive, with Robert Kubica's return now looking unlikely.
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Replies (14)
Login to replymbmwe36
Posts: 533
It's amazing that one of the most undeserving world champions ever can still be relevant 20 years after the fact. I really wish the media would just ignore him - but that's obviously not going to happen.
Samouri
Posts: 25
One can only hope!
f1fan0101
Posts: 1,804
Does he ever stop? Maybe he's jealous
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
But, lot of racers did ( and will do) it, and of all people, he knew it better. So, there might something more to his bitterness than just 'pay driver' issue.
Pauli
Posts: 140
I don't think it is about pay drivers at all. I have seen Villeneuve throw negative comments towards pretty much everyone who isn't at absolute top level. But Stroll comments just seem to be much more widely published.
Villeneuve feels a bit like ex-celebrity who just says anything to get a bit publicity. Too bad negative comments are much more easily published than positive. I guess I'm also to blame for that because I'm reading this and commenting to it. If most people would ignore this type articles then they would die out. (But it won't happen)
f1ski
Posts: 726
Sad very sad. like he never received any consideration because of his father.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Who even listen to him anymore. He is a hypocritic muppet who ger nearly orgasmic pleasure from throwing shit around.
Barron
Posts: 625
Ouch! I can’t unsee that now....?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
We should sue Villeneuve for making us see the things no sane human mind should have to endure! XD
f1dave
Posts: 782
Villeneuve should return to his music career and quit commenting on all things F1. Oh, wait, he failed at that too.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
"Even Massa" ? Massa was very fast, till that fateful bolt hit him in the head.
Barron
Posts: 625
I don’t get Villeneuve. Older experienced people should help mentor youngsters not put the hate on them. Perhaps it’s a Canadian thing with Jacques being obviously from the French part. Lance can hardly help who is father is and since when has it been a crime for a father to love his son? F1Fan101 is probably on the money when he talks about jealousy, that and the tragic events of his own (Jacques) father’s passing. Maybe that’s it, but it’s hardly Lances fault. C’mon Jacques, pick on someone else!
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
The vitriol from Villeneuve is unnecessary. But I partially agree with him that Stroll is one of the worst rookies ever to join a good team. I also agree the podium was largely due to luck. That being said, I think Stroll actually has some potential that could turn him into a decent driver. But that's yet to be seen. I judge drivers more by their second year.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Is he really one of the worst though? Looking at it, the difference in points between him and Massa wasnt that big. I'd probably rate Stroll as the worst current rookie, but like you say, I think he has decent potential. There is a reason for why he has won 3 other championships.