Ferrari team boss doesn't want to compare Leclerc to Villeneuve

Mattia Binotto does not want to compare Charles Leclerc with Gilles Villeneuve. Like the Canadian, Leclerc has a certain style about him, but the Ferrari team boss believes it is not right to juxtapose the two different eras.

Villeneuve was known for his all-or-nothing driving style in Formula 1. During qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix, Villeneuve died after being ejected from the car and landing in the fences. On the occasion of the premiere of "L'Aviatore," a documentary honoring Villeneuve, who died 40 years ago, Binotto spoke about the comparison with Leclerc.

Binotto avoids comparison

"It would be the same as comparing footballers from different eras," Binotto stated. "Gilles was a brave driver, always on the limit. Talking about tactics and strategy was pointless with him and Enzo Ferrari fell in love with that. Compared to today, fortunately I don't have to manage someone like Gilles." Binotto means by this that Villeneuve always relied on his own intuition and was therefore a lot more unpredictable. Nowadays that is a lot easier with all the data available, for example on all the temperatures in the car.

The Italian continues his story:"People often compare Gilles with Charles, but there is a big difference in the comparison with now: that is the risk these guys took. Before, an accident could take away their legs and feet. Today, fortunately, safety in Formula 1 has improved dramatically. Ferrari has been very active in this journey. If Gilles had raced in today's cars, he would still be here. This is also a tribute to Formula 1 and to Ferrari that has always been instrumental in this growth."