Jacques Villeneuve Keynote Speaker
- Canadian Professional Racing Driver
- 1997 Formula One Drivers' World Champion Title Holder
- 1995 Indianapolis 500 and the 1995 PPG Indy Car World Series Champion
Jacques Villeneuve's Biography
Jacques Villeneuve is a keynote speaker who stands as one of the most celebrated Formula 1 legends, a World Champion who soared to great heights and established the foundation of what is now the dominant Mercedes Benz F1 team.
Being the son of Canadian Formula 1 icon Gilles Villeneuve, a favorite of Enzo Ferrari known for his remarkable driving skills, Jacques was almost destined to pursue a career in racing. His father Gilles tragically passed away while racing his Ferrari in the 1982 Belgian Grand Prix. This did not deter Jacques from pursuing a career in motorsports; instead, he continued with determination. He showcased exceptional skill on the racetrack, claiming victories in the North American Indycar Series and the prestigious Indy 500 before transitioning to Formula 1.
In his first Formula 1 race at the 1996 Australian Grand Prix, Jacques qualified in pole position and impressively finished second in the World Championship. Driving for the Williams team, Jacques triumphed in the 1997 Formula One World Championship, overcoming stiff competition from teammate Damon Hill and a formidable challenge from Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher.
Jacques is the most recent driver to win the Formula 1 World Championship with Williams. This achievement followed his success in the 1995 Indycar series in the United States, where he also won the iconic Indianapolis 500. He is among only three drivers, including former World Champions Mario Andretti and Emerson Fittipaldi, to have achieved this ‘triple’ feat.
Jacques’ Formula One career extended until 2006, during which he spent six years driving for BAR-Honda, a team he co-owned and helped establish. This team eventually evolved into the current Mercedes AMG F1 team. Jacques has since participated in various motorsports events, including competing twice in the renowned Le Mans 24 Hours sports car race with Peugeot, securing a second-place finish in 2008. In 2022, he successfully raced in the Daytona 500, a key NASCAR event in the United States, joining Mario Andretti as one of only two drivers to have competed in the Daytona 500, the Le Mans 24 Hours, and Formula 1.
In January 2023, it was announced that Jacques would join the Vanwall team in the World Endurance Championship, making a comeback at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
Jacques Villeneuve is a captivating speaker who remains actively involved in Formula 1, attending races and providing commentary for French television. He is fluent in English, French, and Italian.