Legendary motor sports journalist Denis Jenkinson dies after suffering a stroke. 1997 Adrian Newey leaves Williams and joins rivals McLaren as technical director. Stewart-Ford enter Grand Prix racing under the chairmanship of three time champion Jackie Stewart. The team vows to win a World Championship in five years, and promises to run a tobacco-free sponsored car. Damon Hill ends up at Arrows, and retires on the formation lap at the first race.
Senna trial begins.
Five principals from the Williams team, including Frank Williams, Adrian Newey and Patrick Head, are charged with manslaughter. Olivier Panis shatters legs in crash at Canadian Grand Prix. Gerhard Berger misses three races with sinus trouble, but returns to win in Germany. After the race, he announces his retirement from F1 at the end of the season. Damon Hill almost wins in Hungary, but electrical problems see Jacques Villeneuve pass him on the final lap.