Jacques Villeneuve, Williams FW19 following Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F310B
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Formula 1 Special feature

Untold story: When Schumacher met Villeneuve in the bar after Jerez '97

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On this day 20 years ago, Jacques Villeneuve clinched the 1997 Formula 1 World Championship at Jerez after one of the most dramatic and controversial finales the sport has ever seen.

Jacques Villeneuve, Williams FW19 at the formation lap
Jacques Villeneuve
Jacques Villeneuve, Williams FW19 Renault leads Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F310B and Olivier Panis, Prost JS45 Mugen Honda
Detail, Ferrari F2001 of Michael Schumacher
Michael Schumacher, Ferrari F310B

That day, Michael Schumacher ended up in the gravel after a clumsy blocking move on Villeneuve backfired, leaving the Canadian free and clear to secure the title. Three years after his clash with Damon Hill in Adelaide, Schumacher was again under fire from all sides.

What is less well known is what happened later that evening – and how Schumacher attempted to smooth the waters with the new World Champion.

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