Villeneuve Calls Thieves “Heartless” After Quebec Theft
A bronze statue of Formula 1 legend Gilles Villeneuve, situated outside his namesake museum in Berthierville, Quebec, has been stolen in a shocking act that has left his son, Jacques Villeneuve, deeply angered and frustrated. Standing at 1.6 meters tall, the monument was cut at the ankles, leaving only the base behind. Authorities have yet to determine when the theft occurred, but the damage was discovered by museum staff, who quickly reported the incident.
Jacques Villeneuve, a 1997 F1 world champion himself, took to Instagram to condemn the theft, describing the perpetrators as “shameless, soulless beings” unworthy of being “called humans.” He further expressed his disbelief, saying, “How can people be so heartless? Gilles represented Canada and Quebec on the international stage. There are not many like him.”
Villeneuve has announced a reward of CAD 12,000 ($12,000 USD) for information leading to the statue’s return. Expressing his dismay, he added, “To steal a monument like this, it is disgraceful. I do not understand what goes through people’s minds or hearts, if they even have one. This act shows they have neither heart nor brain.”
The statue’s disappearance has been met with dismay from fans and the local community, as Gilles Villeneuve, who tragically died in 1982, remains one of Canada’s most beloved sports figures.
The Musée Gilles Villeneuve, which celebrates his legacy, has been a pilgrimage site for motorsport fans worldwide. For now, the museum’s base sits empty—a poignant symbol of a community’s loss and a son’s enduring pain.
To learn more about& visit the museum, click HERE
IMAGES: Gilles Villeneuve Museum
Join the AutomotiveWoman community lifestyle newsletter: [email protected]
