One of Formula 1’s most enigmatic world champions is heading back to where it all began. Jacques Villeneuve, the 1997 F1 World Champion and the last driver to deliver Williams Racing a title, is officially rejoining the team—but this time, in a new role.
Villeneuve has been named a Williams ambassador for 2025, reuniting with the team that propelled him to the pinnacle of motorsport 27 years ago. The move places him alongside fellow ex-F1 champion Jenson Button and three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, both of whom have held ambassadorial roles with the team.
For Villeneuve, this is a return to the team that defined his career—but also the one he left behind in 1998, never to reach the same heights again.
The Glory Days: Villeneuve’s Historic 1997 Championship
Villeneuve arrived in Formula 1 as a sensation, fresh off his success in CART and the Indianapolis 500. In just his second F1 season, he dethroned Michael Schumacher in a controversial and unforgettable 1997 title fight, securing Williams’ last championship to this day.
But his time at the team was short-lived. He departed at the end of 1998 for the ill-fated British American Racing (BAR) project, where his once-glittering career faded into midfield obscurity. Despite flashes of brilliance, he never again stood on the top step of the podium.
A New Role: What Will Villeneuve’s Ambassadorial Duties Include?
Villeneuve’s ambassador role will likely mirror those of Button and Chadwick, who have previously participated in:
- Historic F1 car demonstration runs
- Media and sponsorship events
- Fan engagement and promotional activities
However, this reunion won’t interfere with Villeneuve’s growing role in F1 punditry. His 2024 Sky Sports F1 appearances made waves, even catching the attention of Daniel Ricciardo, and he’s expressed a desire to do more broadcasting work in 2025.
For Chadwick, the role comes alongside her duties as an advisor to Williams junior driver Lia Block in F1 Academy and her ongoing Hyundai sportscar commitments. Meanwhile, Button is set for a full-time drive in the World Endurance Championship with Cadillac, meaning Williams will have a star-studded ambassador lineup balancing racing and media work.
A Fitting Reunion—But a Reminder of Williams’ Past Glory
Villeneuve’s return to Williams is a nostalgic move for both the driver and the team, but it also serves as a reminder of how far Williams has fallen since his 1997 triumph.
The once-dominant outfit is now fighting to reclaim its place among F1’s elite, and while Villeneuve won’t be behind the wheel, his presence will bring renewed attention to the storied legacy of Williams Racing.
Now, the big question remains: Can Williams ever return to championship glory? With 27 years and counting since Villeneuve’s triumph, the wait continues.