Damon Hill, OBE, born on 17 September 1960, is one of the most recognised figures in British motorsport. He is most famous for being F1’s 1996 Formula One World Champion. Born into a legacy of racing, he is the son of the legendary Graham Hill, and alongside Nico Rosberg, he stands as one of the only individuals to follow in his father’s footsteps by securing a Formula 1 World Championship.
| Nationality | British |
|---|---|
| Born | Damon Graham Devereux Hill 17 September 1960 Hampstead, London, England |
Hill’s journey into motorsports started in 1981 with motorbike racing, before transitioning to single-seater racing in 1986 for Murray Taylor Racing in the British Formula Three Championship. This pivot from two to four wheels was the start of his open-wheel career that would see him rise to the top of motorsports ranks.
By 1992, Hill had made significant strides in his career, landing a role as a test driver for the Williams F1 team, a team who were dominating at the time. His potential was undeniable, leading to his promotion to a full-time race seat with Williams for the 1993 season, replacing Riccardo Patrese. In his debut season, Hill clinched his first of 22 Grand Prix wins, beginning with a triumph at the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix.
Throughout the mid-1990s, Hill emerged as a formidable rival to eventual seven-time champion, Michael Schumacher. Their rivalry was marked by intense battles with several on-track clashes, culminating dramatically at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix. A collision between the two ultimately tipped the championship in Schumacher’s favour by a single point. However, Hill’s persistence came in 1996 when he secured the drivers’ championship, securing eight wins in a single season. Despite winning the championship, Williams decided not to retain Hill for the 1997 season, leading him to join the less competitive Arrows and Jordan teams. In 1998, Hill achieved Jordan’s first win at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix.
After retiring from F1 following his departure from Jordan in 1999, Hill was elected president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BDRC) in 2006, taking over from Sir Jackie Stewart. During his tenure, Hill was instrumental in securing a 17-year contract for Silverstone to continue hosting Formula 1 races, as well as overseeing the development of the circuit’s modernisation. He relinquished the presidency in 2011, passing the baton to Derek Warwick.
Today, Damon Hill remains an influential voice in Formula 1, sharing his expertise and insights as a part of the Sky Sports F1 broadcasting team. His analysis during free practice sessions and beyond offers viewers a unique perspective from his time and achievements in F1.
