10 Biggest Formula One Controversies

4. Schumacher Vs Villeneuve In 1997

Back in 1997, Ferrari was fighting the Williams drivers for the title. Michael Schumacher and Jacques Villeneuve dueled it out throughout the season. It is an interesting fact that Schumacher and Villeneuve never shared the podium throughout the season.

Heading into the final race of the season, Schumacher had led the Championship by 1 point (and having won a title under similarly controversial circumstances over Villeneuve's former teammate Damon Hill in 1994 at Adelaide in the final race of that season). Williams had already clinched the Constructors Championship before the race.

Villeneuve, Schumacher and Villeneuve's teammate Heinz-Herald Frentzen had set identical times in qualifying (a still unprecedented event in F1 history). On race day, Schumacher had jumped into the lead whilst Villeneuve dropped to 3rd before eventually being waved past by Frentzen.

On lap 48, Villeneuve was running less than a second behind Schumacher and eventually dived down the inside of Schumacher but Michael then turned into Jacques but unlike 1994, the Williams was able to continue on and eventually finish 3rd behind the McLarens (which saw a first victory for Mika Häkkinen). Schumacher then retired on the gravel and his championship challenge ended there and then.

Subsequently, Michael Schumacher was summoned to an FIA disciplinary hearing where he was stripped of his 2nd place finish in the 1997 World Driver's Championship. While he was allowed to keep his wins, this remains the only time a driver has been completely excluded from the final standings of the final championship.

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A tech geek and superhero fan at heart! Having graduated with a law degree, Jonathan now seeks to broaden his horizons with various journalistic contributions. He has already written for a consumer electronics blog as well as a legal-tech startup. Currently wishing for Manchester United to regain some form whilst wishing for a Ferrari success finally!