Flashback: Jacques Villeneuve becomes Formula One world champion after title-deciding clash with Michael Schumacher in 1997

Jacques Villeneuve was crowned Formula One world champion on this day in 1997 after rival Michael Schumacher spun off while attempting to take the Canadian out of the European Grand Prix at Jerez.
By Sports Desk
Published 26th Oct 2020, 16:00 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Villeneuve went on to finish the race in third place behind Finland’s winner Mika Hakkinen and Britain’s David Coulthard, but that was enough to seal him the title.

Ferrari’s Schumacher, who had started the day with a one-point lead in the drivers’ championship, collided with Villeneuve’s car on lap 48.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The German was unable to restart his car after ending up in a safety lane, having tried to cut off Villeneuve’s manoeuvre as he came up on the inside of a bend.

Williams-Renault driver, Jacques Villeneuve of Canada celebrates with the Williams team after the European Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain. Villeneuve finished third in the race and won the Drivers Championship in 1997. Picture: Mark Thompson/Allsport.Williams-Renault driver, Jacques Villeneuve of Canada celebrates with the Williams team after the European Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain. Villeneuve finished third in the race and won the Drivers Championship in 1997. Picture: Mark Thompson/Allsport.
Williams-Renault driver, Jacques Villeneuve of Canada celebrates with the Williams team after the European Grand Prix in Jerez, Spain. Villeneuve finished third in the race and won the Drivers Championship in 1997. Picture: Mark Thompson/Allsport.

Villeneuve went on to complete the remaining 21 laps, his Williams Renault car virtually undamaged from the collision, after Schumacher had walked disconsolately back to the pits.

Schumacher had led all the way after beating Villeneuve, who had started in pole position, to the first bend, but he later came off worst in his bid to block his rival, damaging his front wheel and skidding off.

It proved to be Villeneuve’s only Formula One drivers’ title, while two-time winner Schumacher would be crowned world champion five more times.

* A message from the Editor:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Irish and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. To subscribe, click here.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Thank you,

Alistair Bushe

Editor

Related topics:BritainFinland

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.