Jean-Louis Schlesser, former driver: “It’s nonsense to say that F1 is ecological. If they don’t want to harm the environment, stop racing”
Former pilot Jean-Louis Schlesser (Nancy, France, 1948) is an all-rounder. In every way. He is a two-time winner of the Dakar Rally in cars (1999 and 2000), as well as winner in the GTP 3.0 class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1981. “I didn’t have anything special, but I was fast with all the cars.”
Formula 1 in 2026
Among his successes are also two participations in Formula 1: the French GP in 1983 and the Italian GP in 1988. Almost forty years after his last race, the Frenchman continues to give his opinion on the premier category. “It’s a shame that electronics dominate racing. It is worrying, because the engine should never have more than 40% electric part.”
“It’s nonsense to say that Formula 1 is ecological“insists Schlesser.”If they don’t want to have problems with the environment, stop all racing. Half electric cars and shit? “That’s going down the wrong path.”
Half electric cars and shit? That’s going down the wrong path.
Former F1 driver
The possible return of V8 engines
Muhammad Ben Sulayem, president of the FIAdeclared a few weeks ago to ‘Forbes’ that his intention is to “recover” the V8 engines, with a more powerful sound and already used by Formula 1 previously. However, the former pilot of Williams he is skeptical. “I don’t really believe it.”
“Many manufacturers, to look good to their board of directors, sell the idea that the car is eco-sustainable. That’s why it came in Audi in F1, for example. Maybe they will also try to get BYD but… A V8 would be a dream, and a V10 would be even better, although I don’t think it will happen,” said Jean-Louis.
His admiration for Marc Márquez
At 77 years old, and after a lifetime linked to motor sports, he organizes the “Africa Race”, a rally-raid race across the African continent. However, when asked about the reason why his passion for motors continues, he responds with the name of someone who has never competed on four wheels: Marc Marquez.
Schlesser, a car legend who has never opted for motorcycles, is full of praise for the nine-time world motorcycling champion. “My passion is Marc Márquez. It would be a great achievement to have dinner or lunch with him. I have a lot of respect and admiration for him.”
My passion is Marc Márquez
Former F1 driver
“I’m world champion, so I know exactly what he’s doing. Marc is fantastic and incredible. I’m crossing my fingers that he wins the championship this year, although I hope he doesn’t risk too much,” insists the Dakar legend.
When talking about Schlesser being an all-rounder, air is also included. “I am a helicopter and airplane pilot. Once, the weather was very bad and I had to land my plane in Cervera (Catalonia)where Marc was born. I was there with my friend, who doesn’t understand motorsport. I was telling him his whole story and that of his brother Álex.“.
His accident with Senna
In Formula 1, Jean-Louis is perhaps best known for his collision with Ayrton Senna in the 1988 Italian GP. The Brazilian’s abandonment caused him McLaren did not win the race monzathe only test that escaped Woking that year.
“Senna was very close to my gearbox and I had no choice,” said the former Williams driver. “If I had let off the accelerator, maybe it would have hit me from behind. So it was just bad luck.”
About Frank Williams
Schlesser defined Frank Williamshis boss at the time, as “a good person but rude.” “The Thursday before racing at Monza, I was in France. Frank called me to ask if I could be in Italy on Friday to drive.”
Frank Williams was rude
Former F1 driver
The Briton not only wanted drivers who drove at high speeds, but also responded quickly. “You have to respond very quickly,” the businessman said, according to Schlesser. “I have a list of ten pilots who want the seat. I’m calling you because Patrick Head He wants you in the car. If you don’t want to, no problem.” However, Jean-Louis emphasizes that he “liked” that Sir Frank was “direct.”
His experiences in F1
Regarding his other race in Formula 1, at Paul-Ricard in 1983 with the modest RAM, Nancy declared that “that car had the same straight line speed as my touring car.”
Schlesser also dealt with the F1 boss in the paddock. “Every time Eccleston He saw me, he told me: ‘Tell everyone that I’m a good person.’ But Bernie was actually a very good person.”
Danger in motorsport
In one year seven pilots died, almost ahead of me
Former professional pilot
“At the time when I was racing, we didn’t think about accidents or anything like that. Otherwise, it was better not to drive. “A pilot who thinks he is going to have an accident is not a good pilot.”says Schlesser.
“Seven drivers died in one year, almost ahead of me. So every time you get in the car, or during the week, you might think, ‘Okay, that’s pretty dangerous.’ But For me it was never an obstacle“.
Schumacher as a companion
Michael Schumacher, most successful driver in the history of Formula 1 along with Lewis hamiltonwas Schlesser’s teammate in 1991. The Frenchman was, at that time, a Sauber-Mercedes driver in the World Endurance Championship. “Schumacher was perhaps the fastest driver I raced against, but at that time I was two-time world champion. I won everything, and it was great“.
Schumacher was fast, but I was winning everything back then
Former World Endurance driver
Money in motorsport
“I was very successful in sportscars,” insists Jean-Louis, two-time world champion. “The best option was to stay there and not go to Formula 1. They paid me, but in F1 the majority of drivers paid themselves to race. Today, there are many who do it too”
Many current F1 drivers pay to race
Former F1 driver
“I think the cost for young people to drive is crazy. It’s not fair. I totally agree with Max Verstappenwho says that the price of getting to Formula 1 is too high,” emphasizes the former Williams driver.
Jean-Louis and his son Louis
The Schlesser family knows this reality firsthand, because Jean-Louis has a son named Louis who seeks to follow in his successful footsteps. “Take it seriously. Don’t let yourself be distracted by social media and shit.“, advises his father.
My son doesn’t win enough races
Former F1 driver
“You have to earn more“, declares Jean-Louis about his son. “He doesn’t win enough races. (…) Also, the price of the European Regional Formula is too high right now.” It may be that Louis’ future lies in other championships. “Maybe if he does well we can try to reach Eurocup-3,” stated Louis’ mentor.
