Disappointed, Jacques Villeneuve will not finish the season with Vanwall

The Vanwall stable announced on May 25, 2023 the replacement of Jacques Villeneuve by Tristan Vautier for the Centenary of 24 Hours of Le Mans. An announcement that surprised everyone, including the Canadian pilot. The world champion F1 1997 reacted this Wednesday, May 31 with a press release, indicating at the same time that he will no longer drive for the Austrian team.

« I am deeply disappointed to have learned of my replacement for the next 24 hours of Le Mans through a public announcement published by the Vanwall Racing Team ByKolles on May 25, 2023. To date, I have not received any official communication from the team, which is all the more surprising since I am still under contract to participate in the 24 hour race of Le Mans.

The timing of the post oddly coincided with my impending arrival at the hospital for the birth of our baby girl, which was due on May 26th. ByKolles was fully aware of this personal family event, which prevented me from responding or addressing this sudden announcement.

As a racing family, we have always managed to balance our personal lives and professional careers, with motor racing always taking center stage. In fact, my preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans was meticulous and well organized. I spent a lot of time and effort preparing myself physically and mentally for this extraordinary challenge that I was looking forward to. After victories in the Indy500 championships, Indycar and F1, the 24 hours of Le Mans are of particular importance to me. Therefore, I am deeply disappointed that I was unfairly and arbitrarily denied the opportunity to participate.

In these circumstances, I have made the decision to refrain from participating in the remainder of the season. WEC with ByKolles. Instead, I will redirect my attention and energy toward preparing for a more successful and professionally satisfying 2024 racing season. »

It remains to be seen who will replace him alongside Tom Dillmann and Esteban Guerrieri from the 6 Hours of Monza on July 9. Tristan Vautier recently told us that he had not been « confirmed only for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. » Reservist at Vanwall, the young Esteban Muth (21 years old) could be another solution.

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