Gilles Villeneuve

Joseph Gilles Henri Villeneuve (January 18, 1950 - May 8, 1982): A Canadian racing driver from Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec, Villeneuve became one of Formula One's most beloved and iconic figures despite never winning a World Championship. He competed in Formula One from 1977 to 1982, winning six Grands Prix across six seasons, all with Ferrari. Starting his career in snowmobile racing across Quebec, Villeneuve won the Canadian Formula Ford championship in 1973 before dominating Formula Atlantic, winning two Canadian Championships (1976, 1977) and the American Championship (1976). After an impressive debut with McLaren at the 1977 British Grand Prix, Enzo Ferrari signed him to Ferrari for 1978.

Villeneuve finished runner-up in the 1979 World Drivers' Championship, losing to teammate Jody Scheckter by four points after winning three races. He took back-to-back victories at Monaco and Spain in 1981, earning legendary status for his defensive driving at the latter. During qualifying for the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix at Zolder, Villeneuve collided with Jochen Mass at over 200 km/h, sending his Ferrari airborne. He died later that evening at age 32.

Montreal's Grand Prix circuit was renamed in his honor, and his son Jacques Villeneuve became the 1997 Formula One World Champion, fulfilling the dream Gilles never achieved.