European Grand Prix 1997 - Race Schedule and Countdown

The 1997 championship concluded with one of Formula 1's most infamous incidents at Jerez. Mika Häkkinen won the race for McLaren-Mercedes, but the headlines belonged to Michael Schumacher's desperate and disgraceful attempt to take Jacques Villeneuve out of the race on lap 48. Leading the race and the championship by one point, Schumacher turned sharply into Villeneuve's Williams when the Canadian attempted to overtake at the Dry Sac corner. Schumacher's Ferrari suffered terminal damage and retired, while Villeneuve continued with minor damage to finish third behind teammate David Coulthard, securing the World Championship by three points.

The FIA's response was swift and unprecedented. After investigating the incident, the World Motor Sport Council disqualified Schumacher from the entire 1997 championship standings, erasing his second-place finish and 78 points while allowing his five race victories to stand. The punishment sent a clear message that deliberate collisions to decide championships would not be tolerated, referencing Schumacher's similar move against Damon Hill at Adelaide in 1994. Villeneuve's championship triumph was thoroughly deserved after a season of seven victories and consistent performances, proving himself as a worthy World Champion despite the controversy surrounding the finale. The Jerez incident would forever tarnish Schumacher's reputation and define how many viewed his approach to racing, even as Ferrari celebrated winning the Constructors' Championship.