Villeneuve vs Button: F1 Champions to Clash at 2026 Goodwood Revival

Formula 1 World Champions Jacques Villeneuve and Jenson Button will renew their rivalry, this time behind the wheels of classic Jaguar E-types at the 2026 Goodwood Revival. The former BAR Honda teammates are confirmed for the RAC TT Celebration race, adding star power to the historic motorsport festival.

Why it matters:

The participation of two modern-era F1 champions in a historic racing event bridges generations, bringing contemporary fame to vintage machinery. It highlights Goodwood's unique role in celebrating motorsport's heritage while demonstrating that the appeal of classic racing extends to today's top drivers, helping to engage new audiences with the sport's rich history.

The Details:

• The 1997 champion (Villeneuve) and the 2009 champion (Button) were teammates for a single season at BAR Honda in 2003.
• They will drive similar but distinct Jaguar E-types, with Button in his ‘CUT 8’ and Villeneuve in the 'CUT 7’.
• Both drivers are familiar with the Goodwood atmosphere. Button won the Freddie March Memorial Trophy at the 2025 Revival in his Jaguar C-type, while Villeneuve raced an AC Cobra at the same event.
• Villeneuve has expressed deep appreciation for the Goodwood events, having also driven his father Gilles's Ferrari 312 T3 at the Festival of Speed. He praised the venue for connecting younger fans to motorsport's passionate, dangerous past.

What's next:

The head-to-head between these two champions is set for the 2026 Goodwood Revival, scheduled for September 18-20. The event promises a nostalgic weekend where the sights and sounds of racing's past eras come alive, now with the added intrigue of a friendly showdown between two iconic drivers from the modern F1 era.