1997 Formula 1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has accused Michael Schumacher of causing an era of “disrespect” between drivers.
The Canadian learnt first-hand how far the German legend was willing to go to win, having been involved in a controversial clash at Jerez in the title decider during his championship year.
That was just one of the multiple examples of Schumacher’s ruthlessness which some still see as a mark against his legacy, but Villeneuve claims it went much further than that.
“He had a total lack of respect for other drivers and what racing is all about,” GPFans.com quoted him as saying.
“It started an era where everyone does the same. I look at Formula 2 and Formula 3 and it’s strange that we don’t have a couple of deaths every year.
“In F1 it’s almost everyone too. They change lines and move when braking – things you should not see.”
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There have been questions raised about the driving standards on the track, particularly since Max Verstappen burst onto the scene with Red Bull.
Villeneuve though is hopeful that Lewis Hamilton will be the driver today’s young racers look up to.
“Lewis is great because so far he has done nothing that is beyond the boundaries,” he said.
“That’s the big difference – he’s more of a gentleman on the track. A quick driver but clean.”