Career Timeline of Jacques Villeneuve: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jacques Villeneuve made an impact.
Jacques Villeneuve is a Canadian former racing driver celebrated for his achievements in both IndyCar and Formula One. He secured the Formula One World Drivers' Championship in 1997 with Williams, claiming 11 Grand Prix victories throughout his 11 seasons in the sport. Before his F1 success, Villeneuve excelled in American open-wheel racing, winning the IndyCar World Series and the prestigious Indianapolis 500 in 1995 while driving for Team Green.
1 day ago : Villeneuve Discusses Verstappen-Marko Dynamic; Norris Leads Final Japanese GP Practice
Jacques Villeneuve understands Max Verstappen's relationship with Helmut Marko, noting Marko favors drivers who challenge him. Lando Norris led FP3 at the Japanese GP, with Piastri and Russell following. Verstappen seeks to reassert dominance after Melbourne exit.
September 1985: Go-Kart Racing Invitation
In early September 1985, Jacques Villeneuve was invited to race in a 100 cc go-kart at Italy's Imola Circuit.
July 1986: Enrollment in Jim Russell Racing Driver School
In July 1986, Jacques Villeneuve's uncle enrolled him in the Jim Russell Racing Driver School in Mont Tremblant.
1987: Attending Spenard-David Racing School
In mid-1987, Jacques Villeneuve left his family to attend the Spenard-David Racing School in Shannonville, Ontario.
1988: Car Racing Debut
In 1988, Jacques Villeneuve made his car racing debut in the Italian Touring Car Championship, driving an Alfa Romeo 33, after obtaining an international racing license in Andorra.
1990: Italian Formula Three Championship
In the 1990 season, Jacques Villeneuve qualified for each of the 12 rounds of the Italian Formula Three Championship and scored ten points for 14th in the Drivers' Championship.
1991: Italian Formula Three Championship Result
In 1991, Jacques Villeneuve finished sixth overall in the Italian Formula Three Championship with 20 points and 3 podiums.
November 1992: Acceptance of a three-year contract from Green
In November 1992, Jacques Villeneuve accepted a three-year contract from Barry Green with personal sponsorship from Player's
1992: Toyota Atlantic Championship Entry
In 1992, Jacques Villeneuve participated in one race of the Toyota Atlantic Championship.
1992: Move to Japanese Formula 3 Championship
In 1992, Jacques Villeneuve relocated to Japan to drive in the Japanese Formula 3 Championship for the TOM'S squad, finishing second in the Drivers' Championship with 45 points and winning three races.
1993: Atlantic Championship Result
In 1993, Jacques Villeneuve competed in the Atlantic Championship, winning five races, finishing third overall, and being named the series' Rookie of the Year.
1994: Championship Auto Racing Teams Entry
In the 1994 season, Jacques Villeneuve began competing in Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) with Forsythe/Green Racing, finishing sixth in the Drivers' Championship with one victory and earning Rookie of the Year and Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year honours.
August 1995: Test drive for Williams F1 team
In August 1995, Jacques Villeneuve tested for the Williams F1 team at Silverstone Circuit. Despite lapping two seconds slower than Damon Hill, negotiations began that led to a contract for the 1996 and 1997 seasons.
1995: IndyCar Season
In 1995, Jacques Villeneuve rejected offers from other CART teams and Formula One squads, remaining at Team Green. He won the Grand Prix of Miami and the Indianapolis 500, eventually clinching the Drivers' Championship.
1995: IndyCar World Series and Indianapolis 500 Win
In 1995, Jacques Villeneuve won the IndyCar World Series and the Indianapolis 500.
1996: Formula One Entry
In 1996, Jacques Villeneuve began competing in Formula One.
1996: Formula One Debut with Williams
In the 1996 Formula One season, Jacques Villeneuve moved to Williams, achieving four Grand Prix victories and becoming the first rookie runner-up in the World Drivers' Championship (WDC) after a season-long battle with teammate Damon Hill.
1997: Renault withdraws from F1
After the 1997 season, Renault withdrew from F1.
1997: Lionel Conacher Award and Hawthorn Memorial Trophy
In 1997, Jacques Villeneuve received the Lionel Conacher Award and the Hawthorn Memorial Trophy as the most successful British or Commonwealth driver.
1997: Formula One World Drivers' Championship Win
In 1997, Jacques Villeneuve won the Formula One World Drivers' Championship.
1997: F1 World Championship win
In 1997, Jacques Villeneuve, driving the FW19 car, competed for the World Drivers' Championship. Following a disqualification at the Japanese Grand Prix, he entered the European Grand Prix with 77 points. A collision with Schumacher during the race secured Villeneuve the championship, making him Canada's first F1 World Champion.
1997: British American Tobacco purchase of Tyrrell team
Near the end of 1997, British American Tobacco purchased the financially struggling Tyrrell team.
1998: Fifth in the Drivers' Championship
In 1998, Jacques Villeneuve drove for Williams, finishing fifth in the Drivers' Championship with 21 points. During practice for the Belgian Grand Prix, he crashed into the barrier at approximately 170 mph (270 km/h), but was unhurt.
1998: Fifth Place in 1998 Season
In the 1998 season, Jacques Villeneuve finished fifth, achieving two podiums and helping Williams finish third in the World Constructors' Championship.
1998: Leaves Williams
Jacques Villeneuve left Williams following the 1998 season.
1999: Unsuccessful year with BAR
In 1999, Jacques Villeneuve had an unsuccessful year with British American Racing (BAR).
1999: Signed contract with BAR
In 1999, Jacques Villeneuve signed a contract to drive with the new British American Racing (BAR) team.
July 2000: Signed three-year contract extension with BAR
In July 2000, Jacques Villeneuve signed a three-year contract extension with BAR, including a get-out clause for under-performance.
2000: Seventh in the WDC with BAR
In 2000, Jacques Villeneuve finished seventh in the WDC with BAR.
2000: Seventh in the Driver's Championship
In the 2000 season, Jacques Villeneuve finished seventh in the Drivers' Championship with 17 points. He secured fourth-place finishes at the Australian, French, Austrian, and United States Grand Prix races.
2001: Considered racing with McLaren
Before 2001 Villeneuve spoke to McLaren about racing with them, but he later admitted that it was not an option.
2001: Seventh in the Drivers' Championship
In 2001, Jacques Villeneuve finished seventh in the Drivers' Championship with 12 points. He achieved BAR's first two podium results, finishing third at both the Spanish Grand Prix and the German Grand Prix. At the season-opening Australian Grand Prix, one of Villeneuve's car's wheels struck marshal Graham Beveridge, killing him.
2001: Seventh in the WDC with BAR
In 2001, Jacques Villeneuve finished seventh in the WDC with BAR, achieving two podiums.
2002: Remained at BAR
Before the 2002 season, Jacques Villeneuve remained at BAR. He partnered with Panis again. He scored four points for 12th in the Drivers' Championship, with a fourth place at the British Grand Prix.
2002: Formula One Racing
From 2002 Jacques Villeneuve raced in Formula One, driving for BAR, Renault, Sauber, and BMW Sauber, without achieving any further success.
2003: Offered a contract to join Team Player's in CART
Before returning to BAR for the 2004 and 2005 F1 seasons, in 2003 Jacques Villeneuve was offered a contract to join Team Player's in CART.
2003: Release from BAR
In 2003, Jacques Villeneuve continued to drive for BAR, finishing sixth at both the Brazilian and Italian Grand Prix races. Before the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix, he was informed by Richards that he was no longer needed and was replaced by Takuma Sato. He finished 16th in the Drivers' Championship with 6 points.
2004: Offered a contract to join Team Player's in CART
Before returning to BAR for the 2004 and 2005 F1 seasons, in 2003 Jacques Villeneuve was offered a contract to join Team Player's in CART.
2004: Drove for Renault
In 2004, before his tenure at Sauber, Jacques Villeneuve drove for Renault in the season's final three races to help them claim second from BAR in the World Constructors' Championship.
2004: Met with Sauber team owner Peter Sauber
In mid-2004, Jacques Villeneuve and Craig Pollock met with Sauber team owner Peter Sauber. Villeneuve signed a two-year contract the next month to drive for Sauber from the 2005 season.
2005: Offered a contract to join Team Player's in CART
Before returning to BAR for the 2004 and 2005 F1 seasons, in 2003 Jacques Villeneuve was offered a contract to join Team Player's in CART.
2005: Signed a two-year contract to drive for Sauber
Jacques Villeneuve signed a two-year contract in 2004 to drive for Sauber from the 2005 season.
2006: End of Formula One Racing
From 2006 Jacques Villeneuve raced in Formula One, driving for BAR, Renault, Sauber, and BMW Sauber, without achieving any further success.
2006: Exit from F1
In 2006, Jacques Villeneuve exited from F1, after which he had to modify his driving style and take fewer risks.
2006: Contract terminated by BMW Sauber
In 2006, Jacques Villeneuve stayed at the renamed BMW Sauber. At the German Grand Prix, Villeneuve sustained muscle pains in an accident exiting a corner. Shortly afterward, Theissen terminated his contract and replaced him with Robert Kubica.
2006: Departure from Formula One
Mid-way through the 2006 season, Jacques Villeneuve left Formula One and began competing in various other forms of motor racing.
2007: Le Mans debut with Peugeot
In 2007, Jacques Villeneuve made his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut with Peugeot, sharing the No. 7 Peugeot 908 HDi FAP car with Marc Gené and Nicolas Minassian. He also began his NASCAR journey, entering the Craftsman Truck Series' last seven events in a Toyota Tundra. That same year, he drove two races in the Nextel Cup Series in a Toyota, finishing 21st and 41st respectively.
2007: Release of "Private Paradise" album
In 2007, Villeneuve released his debut French single, "Accepterais-tu", and an acoustic rock album Private Paradise with 13 songs (nine in French and four in English).
2008: Racing in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
In 2007 Jacques Villeneuve participated in NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, with the intention to continue full-time in 2008.
2008: Victory at the 1000 km of Spa
In 2008, Jacques Villeneuve won the 1000 km of Spa driving for Peugeot.
2008: Speedcar Series
In 2008, Villeneuve returned to the Speedcar Series, driving for Durango. He competed in five races, finishing in the top ten three times, and scored seven points to finish 11th in the Drivers' Championship.
2009: Partaking in NASCAR Canadian Tire Series and Spa 24 Hours
In 2009, Villeneuve participated in the Tide 250 and GP3R 100 of the NASCAR Canadian Tire Series, finishing fourth at Trois-Rivieres. In 2009, he also entered the Spa 24 Hours, but the team failed to finish.
October 2010: Gold Coast 600
In October 2010, Villeneuve joined Rod Nash Racing as Paul Dumbrell's international co-driver in the Gold Coast 600 double header, finishing 22nd in the first race and fifth in the second.
2010: Failed return to F1 with Stefan Grand Prix
Jacques Villeneuve twice failed to return to F1, first with Stefan Grand Prix in the 2010 season, then with his team in partnership with Durango for the following year.
2011: Consideration for Bathurst 1000
In 2011, Ford motorsport manager Chris Styring considered Villeneuve for the Bathurst 1000, the L&H 500 and the Gold Coast 600 in the International V8 Supercars Championship, but Villeneuve's financial demands were too high for Ford.
2011: Release of "Cars 2"
In 2011, Villeneuve voiced the French version of the character David Hobbscap, who was also renamed after him, in the Pixar film "Cars 2".
2012: Sky Sports F1 Analysis
In 2012, Villeneuve analysed the Canadian Grand Prix for the British television channel Sky Sports F1.
2012: NASCAR Nationwide Series and International V8 Supercars Championship
In 2012, Villeneuve drove in the NASCAR Nationwide Series, finishing sixth at Road America and third at Montreal. During the 2012 International V8 Supercars Championship, he filled in for Greg Murphy, finishing no higher than 24th. He also finished seventh at the City Challenge Baku GT event.
2013: FFSA GT Championship, Sprint Cup Series and Canadian Tire Series
In 2013, Villeneuve participated in the Le Mans double header counting towards the FFSA GT Championship, finishing 11th in the first race. Midway through the season, Villeneuve was hired to drive the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway in the Sprint Cup Series, finishing 41st. Later that year, he finished fifth in the Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres in the Canadian Tire Series.
2014: FIA World Rallycross Championship and Indianapolis 500
In 2014, Villeneuve signed to drive in the FIA World Rallycross Championship, scoring eight points for 37th in the Drivers' Championship. He also entered the Indianapolis 500, finishing 14th. In August, Villeneuve finished 24th in the Canadian Tire Series' Grand Prix de Trois Rivieres.
January 2016: Termination of Formula E contract
In January 2016, Villeneuve and Venturi Grand Prix agreed to terminate their working relationship early, after Villeneuve failed to start the Punta del Este ePrix due to an accident during qualifying.
2018: Return to rallycross
In 2018, Villeneuve signed a one-race agreement to return to rallycross, driving a Subaru Rally Team USA-entered WRX STi Supercar at the World RX of Canada. He failed to qualify for the final.
2019: Italian GT Championship, Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series
In 2019, Villeneuve shared a Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo in the Italian GT Championship, finishing fourth and second in races. He raced in the Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia, placing in the top ten in races. He debuted in the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, finishing the season eighth in points.
2020: Whelen Euro Series
In 2020, Villeneuve entered the Whelen Euro Series with FEED Vict Racing, achieving two top fives for 104 points in the Elite 1 Division.
2021: Whelen Euro Series Victories and Departure
In 2021, Villeneuve achieved his first two series victories in the Whelen Euro Series at Vallelunga, finishing ninth in the points standings. He left the series after the season to focus on F1 commentary commitments.
2022: NASCAR Cup Series and Pinty's Series
In 2022, Villeneuve returned to the NASCAR Cup Series, finishing 22nd in the Daytona 500. In August, he failed to start the NASCAR Pinty's Series' Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières.
2023: FIA World Endurance Championship
In 2023, Villeneuve entered the first three rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship, but was replaced for the 24 Hours of Le Mans and subsequently withdrew from the team.
2024: Sky Sports F1 Analysis of Canadian Grand Prix
In 2024, Villeneuve analysed the Canadian Grand Prix for the British television channel Sky Sports F1.
2025: Williams Formula One Ambassador
In 2025, Villeneuve became an ambassador of the Williams Formula One team.
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