For 1997 Williams confirmed Jacques Villeneuve, while reigning champion Damon Hill left the team to join Arrows. In its place came Heinz-Harald Frentzen. The new Renault-powered FW19 was an evolution of the previous single-seaters, signed by Newey and Head. That year Ferrari returned to being systematically competitive with a Schumacher who held up against Villeneuve throughout the season. The last GP in Jerez was decisive for the title: Schumacher, with a maneuver that caused a lot of discussion, bumped into Villeneuve and had to retire. Villeneuve managed to finish third and take the title, with seven wins. Due to his maneuver in Jerez, Schumacher, who won five GPs, lost all points in the classification. Frentzen was second, also winning a GP, at Imola. Williams also won the constructors' classification with 123 points, ahead of Ferrari with 102 and Benetton with 67.
Teammate of the world champion Jacques Villeneuve, the German Frentzen was the author of an excellent season in 1997. Frentzen came from Sauber, with which he made his debut in 1994. In 1994, he achieved several good placings with Williams, winning the San Marino GP in Imola and also setting the fastest lap six times and pole position once. Thanks to the 45 points scored, he finished second in the world championship after Schumacher's disqualification.