P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Michael Schumacher was thrown out of the 1997 F1 drivers’ championship 28 years ago today, two weeks after his contentious actions cost him the title in his fight with Jacques Villeneuve at Jerez.
It’s been 28 years since Michael Schumacher’s controversial lunge at Jacques Villeneuve during the 1997 European Grand Prix at Jerez, a moment etched in Formula 1 history. The incident led to Schumacher losing his championship position and facing severe consequences that stirred media outrage in Germany. With only one point separating Schumacher and Villeneuve before the race, the final showdown unfolded on October 26, 1997, altering the championship’s fate. The collision at Dry Sack corner on lap 48 saw Villeneuve capitalize on Schumacher’s error, securing his first world title. Initially deemed a racing incident, the FIA later concluded that Schumacher’s move was intentional but not malicious, resulting in a historic penalty.
On November 11, 1997, the FIA announced Schumacher’s exclusion from the final 1997 drivers’ championship standings, a first-of-its-kind penalty in modern Formula 1 history. Despite retaining his victories and points for statistical purposes, Schumacher’s runner-up status was effectively nullified. The council’s decision marked a significant moment in the sport, emphasizing the consequences of on-track actions.
