Vlleneuve finally made Williams F1 ambassador

After years of being declared 'persona non grata' by Claire Williams and banished from entering the team's F1 paddock compound, Villeneuve is again in the Grove team's good books as they plot a journey forward under team principal James Vowles.

Back in 2018 when Williams began a slide to the back of the grid, Villeneuve kicked the hornet's nest when he said at the time: “The team is dead, I do not see anything there… There is simply no management."

The Canadian also made no secret of where he believes it all went wrong: “There was an alternative back then: one of the two would be heir and they chose Claire instead of Jonathan – a big mistake, you just have to look where the team is today. ” Hence no free espresso's for JV after that.

But that was then. Bygones are bygones as the Williams family have no say anymore. Today the team Sir Frank founded, confirmed that 2009 Formula 1 World Champion Jenson Button and three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick will continue as ambassadors for the team in 2025. Joining them will be Villeneuve, 1997 F1 Drivers’ Champion, further linking the team’s storied past with its ambitions for the future.

Villeneuve, who secured Williams’ most recent F1 title in 1997, returns as the team continues its transformation under James Vowles. His championship victory came in just his second season in F1, following an IndyCar title win in 1995—making him one of only four drivers to have claimed both championships.

During his dominant 1997 campaign, he won seven Grands Prix and finished the season with nearly double the points of his closest rival, Williams team-mate Heinz-Harald Frentzen.

After years of being banned for his outspokenness by former Williams boss Claire Williams, reflecting on his return, Villeneuve said: “Williams has been a crucial part of my life, filled with fond memories. I am ecstatic to be part of the family again, and to help celebrate the team’s heritage while supporting its future.”

Button, who made his Formula 1 debut with Williams in 2000, marks the 25th anniversary of that milestone this year—coinciding with F1’s 75th season. The Briton rejoined Williams as an ambassador in 2019, balancing his role with a career in sportscar racing and broadcasting.

“Williams gave me my first shot in Formula 1, and it’s incredible to be celebrating 25 years since that debut this year. Being an ambassador for this team is a privilege, and I’m excited to continue contributing to its legacy and future," said Button.

Chadwick, a race winner in Indy NXT, has been part of the Williams Racing family since 2019. In addition to her ambassador role, she serves as an F1 Academy Adviser, supporting young female drivers in single-seater racing.

“Williams has been a huge part of my career and journey in motorsport over the last four years,” Chadwick said. “I’m proud to continue representing the team in 2025, challenging myself to keep developing as a driver and helping to mentor the next generation of racers coming through F1 Academy.”

Team Principal James Vowles emphasised the significance of the trio’s involvement, stating: “It’s a privilege to have Jenson, Jacques and Jamie with the team for 2025. Together, they are the perfect representation of this iconic team: the history we have made, our proud tradition of investing in future champions and opening up access to motorsport, and our ambition and determination to make history again.

“Jenson and Jacques made their F1 debuts with Williams and went on to become World Champions, while Jamie has broken boundaries for women in motorsport as a Williams Racing driver and mentor to Lia [Block]. We are delighted to have them as part of the next chapter in Williams’ story," added Vowles.

Williams continues to rebuild under Vowles, aiming to return to the front of the grid while honouring its legacy through figures who have played a key role in its history.

F1 Stats show Williams Racing, established in 1977, is one of Formula 1's most successful teams. Over its history, the team has achieved: 116 Grand Prix Wins, 313 Podium Finishes, seven F1 Drivers' World Championships and nine
Constructors' World Championship titles.

Williams Formula 1 World Champions are: Alan Jones (1980), Keke Rosberg (1982), Nelson Piquet (1987), Nigel Mansell (1992), Alain Prost (1993), Damon Hill (1996) and Jacques Villeneuve (1997) their last world champ.