F1 champion to end racing exile after three-year break

Jacques Villeneuve will make his long-awaited return to competitive racing by driving in this year's Porsche Supercup series.

Villeneuve has not driven competitively since a short-lived outing in the 2023 World Endurance Championship. The 1997 Formula 1 champion drove in three races in the hypercar class with the Floyd Vanwall Racing Team, finishing eighth in the opener in Sebring, before two retirements in Portimão and Spa.

The 55-year-old Canadian has competed in almost every renowned series throughout his astonishing career, winning the CART title and Indy 500 in 1995, but this will be his debut in the Porsche Supercup.

Villeneuve's car will sport the iconic striped livery, based on his mother's jumpers, for which he became renowned with his helmet designs.

Announcing his arrival via the Porsche Supercup Instagram page, the social post read: "Former @f1 World Champion @jacques_villeneuve_official joins the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup as a special guest!

"Indy 500 winner, CART champion and a proven name across top-tier series - from Formula 1 to American open-wheel racing

"Even during his time in @f1, Villeneuve stood out - not just for his driving, but for his distinctive helmet design: Inspired by his mother’s jumpers, its colourful stripes became one of his trademarks, instantly recognisable to motorsport fans around the world

"This year, that signature look goes one step further: his personal Supercup car carries a dedicated livery inspired by the iconic striped design

"There’s no doubting the pedigree he brings, and we’re sure he’ll be delivering the action on track! Welcome, Jacques!"

The eight-race series features on the support card across F1 grand prix weekends, kickstarting in Monaco in early June, ending in Monza in early September.