F1 Throwback: Jacques Villeneuve’s Crazy Antics at the Belgian Grand Prix
Follow Us
Not many people know this but Jacques Villeneuve was quite the daredevil back in the day. He wasn’t a huge risk taker back in his racing days but he attempted something crazy at the 1999 F1 Belgian Grand Prix. Villeneuve’s actions that day can only be summed up as a mix of bravery and foolishness.
1999 F1 Belgian GP – Villeneuve’s insane dare
Eau Rouge. It’s one of the most iconic corners in one of the most iconic tracks in F1 history. The corners leading up to Eau Rouge and Raidillon have witnessed some epic and crazy moments over the years. From the chaotic 1998 race to Mark Webber’s stunning pass on Fernando Alonso, this iconic turn has seen it all.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The modern F1 car can easily take Eau Rouge flat out, at close to 200 Miles per hour. However, this wasn’t the case 20 years ago. Older F1 cars didn’t quite generate the downforce and lacked the aerodynamic superiority of modern F1 cars. As a result, it made Eau Rouge a terrifying turn back in the day.
Trending
Liam Lawson’s Surprise Contract Clause Threatens Daniel Ricciardo’s RB Seat
April 24, 2024 11:15 AM EDT
F1 Rumor: Adrian Newey to Join Ferrari, Leaving Red Bull Amid Christian Horner-Helmut Marko Fiasco
April 25, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
What Is Azzurro La Plata and Azzurro Dino? Significance of Ferrari’s Historic Change to a Blue Livery for Miami GP
April 24, 2024 04:52 PM EDT
“[Charles] Leclerc Doesn’t Care About Ferrari”: F1 Insider’s Brutal Blow to Fred Vasseur & Co. Has Racing Community Lashing Out
April 24, 2024 05:00 PM EDT
F1 Rumor: Christian Horner and Wife Geri to Publicly Reveal All Details on Leaked Chat Scandal
April 22, 2024 04:10 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest F1 stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
This didn’t turn deter Jacques Villeneuve from attempting something outrageous. At a qualifying session during the 1999 Belgium Grand Prix, Villeneuve dared teammate Ricardo Zonta to take the corner flat out. The Canadian went first and as expected, suffered a spectacular crash – red flagging the session. Villeneuve emerged unharmed by the crash but his car wasn’t in one piece.
Not one to back down from a fight, Ricardo Zonta attempted to take Eau Rouge flat out and the result was the same. Zonta’s crash was horrifying, to say the least, but the Brazilian managed to walk away. In an attempt to gain a few tenths, BAR threw away its chances of a decent starting position for the race.
Looking back, that corner might have been Raidillon actually. Nevertheless, Villeneuve definitely proved he has the racer’s mentality within, albeit slightly twisted.
Sadly, Spa Francorchamps hasn’t provided any happy memories in recent times. At last year’s Formula 2 race, young Anthoine Hubert suffered a terrible accident and passed away. Zonta and Villeneuve got lucky that day but the corner isn’t one to be taken lightly.
Written by: