Home | Grand Prix race report | 1997 European Grand Prix
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As of 2011, this race was also notable as Williams's last World Championship victory in both the Drivers and Constructor's Championships. Michael Schumacher, driving for Ferrari, had led the championship by a single point ahead of Villeneuve going into the race. During the race Villeneuve and Schumacher collided while battling for the lead and the resulting damage to Schumacher's car forced him to retire. The blame for the incident was later attributed to Schumacher by the sport's governing body, the FIA, and he was stripped of his second place finish in the championship. Schumacher's tactics were widely criticised by the media, including publications based in his home country of Germany, and in Ferrari's home country of Italy. Following the race Williams and McLaren were accused of colluding to decide the finishing order. Villeneuve stated that "It was better to let them through and win the World Championship." The FIA determined there was no evidence to support the claims, and dismissed the accusations. |