Complete calendar with 17 races
The 1997 Formula 1 season culminated in one of the most controversial moments in the sport's history, as Jacques Villeneuve won his first and only World Championship after Michael Schumacher attempted to take him out at the season finale in Jerez. The German's desperate move backfired spectacularly, damaging only his own car and leading to his unprecedented disqualification from the entire championship standings. The season showcased thrilling racing and fierce competition, ultimately decided by a moment of poor judgment that would haunt Schumacher for years.
Villeneuve and Schumacher traded blows throughout the season in what became an increasingly intense championship battle. Schumacher won five races for Ferrari in Monaco, Canada, France, Belgium, and Japan, while Villeneuve claimed seven victories for Williams in Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Britain, Hungary, Austria, and Luxembourg. The rivalry between the two drivers was characterized by aggressive racing and mutual respect, with both men pushing the limits of acceptable conduct on track.
The championship came down to the final race at Jerez, with Schumacher leading Villeneuve by one point. In a dramatic race, Villeneuve applied pressure on the Ferrari throughout, eventually attempting an overtaking move on lap 48. Schumacher, seeing Villeneuve alongside, turned sharply into the Williams in an apparent attempt to take both cars out of the race - a carbon copy of his controversial 1994 Adelaide collision with Damon Hill. However, this time only Schumacher's Ferrari was damaged, limping into retirement while Villeneuve continued to finish third and claim the championship.
The FIA's response was swift and severe. After investigating the incident, the World Motor Sport Council disqualified Schumacher from the entire 1997 championship standings, stripping him of his second-place finish. While he retained his five race victories, his championship points were deleted and he was publicly reprimanded for bringing the sport into disrepute. The unprecedented punishment sent a clear message that deliberate collisions to decide championships would not be tolerated, though Schumacher escaped a race ban that many felt was warranted.
Beyond the championship protagonists, several drivers delivered memorable performances. Heinz-Harald Frentzen won his first Grand Prix at San Marino and added another victory in Italy, though his inconsistent form meant he could not mount a sustained title challenge despite driving for Williams. David Coulthard won twice for McLaren-Mercedes in Australia and Italy, while Mika Hakkinen's victory at Jerez was overshadowed by the Schumacher-Villeneuve controversy. Eddie Irvine claimed his maiden victory for Ferrari at Japan, Gerhard Berger won in Germany for Benetton, and Ralf Schumacher impressed in his debut season with Jordan.
Ferrari claimed the Constructors' Championship with 102 points, narrowly beating Williams' 123 points in a reversal of recent years' dominance by the British team. The Scuderia's first constructors' title since 1983 was a significant milestone in their rebuilding under Schumacher's leadership, even if the driver's championship had slipped through their fingers in controversial circumstances. The technical partnership between Schumacher, designer Rory Byrne, technical director Ross Brawn, and engine chief Paolo Martinelli was beginning to bear fruit.
The 1997 season was marked by closer racing than the Williams-dominated years of 1992-1996, with multiple teams capable of winning races. McLaren-Mercedes showed significant improvement, Jordan-Peugeot emerged as consistent point-scorers, and Benetton remained competitive despite losing Schumacher. The grid featured an impressive roster of talent including the Schumacher brothers, Villeneuve, Hakkinen, Coulthard, Frentzen, and rising stars like Giancarlo Fisichella and Jarno Trulli.
Villeneuve's championship triumph vindicated his aggressive driving style and fearless approach to racing, proving he was more than just the son of a legend. At 26 years old, he joined his father Gilles as a World Champion, though Gilles had never achieved the title despite his extraordinary talent. The season's controversy ensured that 1997 would be remembered not just for great racing, but for the moment Michael Schumacher's win-at-all-costs mentality crossed the line into unacceptable conduct, damaging his reputation even as Ferrari's resurgence continued.