F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve announces race return at the age of 55

Jacques Villeneuve celebrates with the Williams team surrounded by Canadian flags — Photo: © IMAGO

F1 News

F1 world champion announces race return at the age of 55

JV is getting back behind the wheel in 2026

Graham Shaw Consultant Editor

Digital sports specialist running global brands for 30 years

Friday 8 May 2026 12:00 Updated: 12:48

Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve is making a return to top-level racing at the age of 55.

The Canadian superstar, world champion with Williams back in 1997, will get back behind the wheel for the Porsche Supercup, which begins in Monaco on June 4.

Villeneuve of course is best known these days for his TV work as a popular analyst for Sky Sports F1, adding insight and often brutal honesty to proceedings.

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Now though he will be on track as well as behind the mic, with the season due to start in the principality on Monaco Grand Prix weekend.

Porsche Supercup welcomes Jacques Villeneuve

Announcing the move, a social media 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!"

Porsche Supercup has subsequently confirmed that Villeneuve will be competing in several races in 2026, so this is not just a one-off.

Porsche Supercup Schedule for 2026

The full Porsche Supercup schedule for 2026 looks like this:

2026 Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup Calendar
Round	Date	Location	Circuit
1	4-7 June	Monte Carlo, Monaco	Circuit de Monaco
2	12-14 June	Barcelona, Spain	Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya
3	26-28 June	Spielberg, Austria	Red Bull Ring
4	17-19 July	Stavelot, Belgium	Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
5	24-26 July	Budapest, Hungary	Hungaroring
6 & 7	21-23 August	Zandvoort, Netherlands	Circuit Zandvoort (Double Header)
8	4-6 September	Monza, Italy	Autodromo Nazionale Monza