1997 Austrian Grand Prix

Qualifying threw up a few surprises, as the Bridgestone tyres used by several smaller teams proved strong, but it was ultimately Jacques Villeneuve who won. Mika Häkkinen had been leading Villeneuve after the start but his engine failed yet again, before he even managed to complete the first lap. Jarno Trulli lead the early laps as a result, and was running 2nd (though still needing to make another pitstop) when his engine also failed and left oil out the track, which caused Rubens Barrichello to spin out of the race in the closing laps as a result.

A spectacular collision occurred between Eddie Irvine and Jean Alesi. As they battled for 4th place on lap 37, Alesi tried to outbrake Irvine into the chicane from approximately eight car-lengths behind,[1] and as Irvine took evasive action,[1] the Frenchman drove into the Northern Irishman's car at such speed that Alesi's car went over the top of Irvine's while the latter was pitched into a spin. Alesi was placed under investigation by the stewards for dangerous driving after the race,[1] although no charges were formally brought against either driver.

Michael Schumacher ran as high as 3rd, but received a stop-go penalty for overtaking Heinz-Harald Frentzen under yellow flags. Schumacher claimed he had not seen them, and that they were not visible on the inside of the corner.[1][2]

Austrian Formula One veteran Gerhard Berger announced he was to retire at the end of the season, shortly after he qualified 18th on the grid.

Drivers' Championship standings Pos Driver Points 1 Michael Schumacher 68 2 Jacques Villeneuve 67 3 Heinz-Harald Frentzen 31 4 David Coulthard 30 5 Jean Alesi 28 Source: [5]

Constructors' Championship standings Pos Constructor Points 1 Williams-Renault 98 2 Ferrari 86 3 Benetton-Renault 53 4 McLaren-Mercedes 44 5 Jordan-Peugeot 33 Source: [5]

• Note: Only the top five positions are included for both sets of standings.