Villeneuve explains GPDA resignation
Former world champion Jacques Villeneuve says his resignation from the Grand Prix Drivers' Association was a personal choice that should not reflect on the work the body has been carrying to improve safety in racing
Villeneuve resigned from the GPDA at Silverstone last weekend, after the drivers met to discuss Michael Schumacher's antics in qualifying for the Monaco Grand Prix.
The race stewards said the German driver deliberately stopped his Ferrari car in the dying moments of the session to hinder other drivers and maintain his pole position.
"Personally, I am not happy that someone can run the GPDA and act like that," Villeneuve said on Thursday, before the GPDA met on Friday.
He then resigned from the organisation but refrained from giving his views on the matter, until the topic was tackled again today in London, where his BMW Sauber team held demonstration runs in Hyde Park.
"There was just something that I didn't agree with," Villeneuve said. "Out of principle, I could not carry on within that group.
"But the GPDA does a lot of good on the safety aspect - David [Coulthard] does a great job on that.
"I didn't leave so that I could make a stand or anything - that's why I didn't really speak about it at Silverstone. It was just a personal thing that I didn't agree with."
Asked if his decision was specifically linked to Schumacher's Monaco controversy, the Canadian said: "I won't get into any details about it."
Share Or Save This Story
MotoGP Czech GP: Bagnaia wins sprint as Bezzecchi crashes out
Alex Marquez withdraws from MotoGP Czech Grand Prix
Why MotoGP's chiefs need to start listening to the riders on sprint issue
The key moments in Renault's F1 history as it bids farewell
Norris’ struggles made Piastri complacent, Villeneuve suggests
Why racing rules have simply got too much
MotoGP points leader Bezzecchi banned from Czech GP for hitting marshal in sprint
DTM Lausitzring 1: Mapelli takes fortunate maiden win for Lamborghini Temerario GT3
The flaw Cadillac must fix to reach F1's midfield
MotoGP Czech GP: Bagnaia wins sprint as Bezzecchi crashes out
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments