Jacques Villeneuve is a former F1 World Champion and Canadian NASCAR Whelen Euro Series racer who has also competed in Formula E and various other motorsport competitions. A career that is nearing 30 years long, Jacques has amassed an abundance of valuable skills within sport in which he can also relate to corporate audiences as an after-dinner speaker. Known to leave audiences feeling inspired by his story to success and inspired to maximise their productivity, he can make the best impact at any variety of corporate event, function or conference.
A childhood dream to follow in his father’s moto racing footsteps, Jacques discovered his passion on the track when he was finally allowed by his mother to drive a 100cc kart. Demonstrating an impressive skill from day one, he eventually made his way up to drive a Formula Four car on the Grand Prix circuit before joining his Jim Russell Racing Driver School. By the age of 17, he was up against the likes of F1 legends Johnny Cecotto and Riccardo Patrese in events including the Alfa Cup and the Macau Grand Prix.
Following on from a successful career in the CART IndyCar World Series, Jacques joined William’s F1 team in 1996. Claiming a podium finishing position in his debut race and four winning races in his debut season, it became apparent very quickly that he was set to be the next biggest name in motor racing. He went onto drive for British American Racing, Renault, and BMW Sauber whilst collecting a total of 235 career points, 11 wins and the title at the 1997 Formula One World Championship.
Outside of F1, Villeneuve has set his sights on becoming the first man since Graham Hill to claim the Triple Crown of Motorsport. With the Indianapolis 500 and the Formula One World Championship under his belt, he made it his mission to win 24 Hours of Le Mans in an attempt to claim the missing title. With his best achievement in the race being 2nd place, Jacques has shown extreme determination and skill within racing. Most recently, he has become a NASCAR racer and has competed in various formats of the game. Currently racing in the Whelen Euro Series, Jacques has managed to secure two poles and 13 starts.
A man with an abundance of talents, Jacques career anecdotes can make for one of the most interesting and insightful after-dinner speeches. A charismatic and dynamic speaker, he can engage even the largest of audiences and leave them feeling empowered to make a change to their working style.