F1 champion confirms comeback with return set for European season | F1 | Sport
Jacques Villeneuve has confirmed a motorsport comeback, aged 55. The 1997 Formula 1 champion remained active in an array of different racing series since leaving the pinnacle of single-seater motorsport and has tried his hand at most of the world’s top championships including Le Mans, NASCAR and a return to the IndyCar series in which he first made his name.
But Villeneuve hasn’t raced since 2023, having upped his punditry commitments including becoming a regular part of the Sky Sports UK pool of analysts. But his three-year hiatus since a brief stint racing in the World Endurance Championship will soon come to an end after he was confirmed as a special guest driver in the Porsche Supercup series.
The championship races on F1 weekends as a support series at European races, with the 2026 season set to begin at the Monaco Grand Prix. And the grid will now also be graced by motorsport royalty in the form of F1 and IndyCar champion Villeneuve, though it has yet to be confirmed in how many races he is set to take part.
A social media post on the Porsche Supercup’s official channels read: “There’s a legend in the paddock – former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve joins the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as a special guest! Indy 500 winner, CART champion and a proven name across top-tier series – from Formula 1 to American open-wheel racing.
“Even during his time in F1, Villeneuve stood out – not just for his driving, but for his distinctive helmet design: Inspired by his mother’s jumpers, its colourful stripes became one of his trademarks, instantly recognisable to motorsport fans around the world.
“This year, that signature look goes one step further: his personal Supercup car carries a dedicated livery inspired by the iconic striped design. There’s no doubting the pedigree he brings, and we’re sure he’ll be delivering the action on track! Welcome, Jacques!”
It is the second new role Villeneuve has confirmed in recent times. Before the start of the 2025 F1 season, he was announced by his former team Williams as an official ambassador of the outfit, having retained that title in the current campaign.
He and fellow Sky pundit Jamie Chadwick were joined this year by Damon Hill, who took on the role in the 30th anniversary year of his own F1 title success. Hill said: “Williams is truly a special place for me and where some of the defining moments of my career took place.
“I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this sport and to have achieved what I did, and returning as an ambassador is a real privilege. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the team’s history and help to support its legacy and future.”
Hill filled the vacancy left by Jenson Button who had been affiliated with Williams for many years. However, he switched allegiances to sign with Aston Martin as their official ambassador for 2026, where he could again work with engine suppliers Honda.
