Damon Hill

1.1. Birth and Family

Damon Graham Devereux Hill was born in Hampstead, London, on September 17, 1960. His father, Graham Hill, was a celebrated racing driver and a two-time Formula One World Champion in 1962 and 1968. His mother, Bette (née Shubrook), was a former rower and a medalist at the European Rowing Championships. Graham Hill's successful career provided the family with a comfortable living, allowing them to reside in a 25-room country mansion in Hertfordshire by 1975. Hill's christening was attended by many of his father's racing comrades, including contemporary top drivers.

1.2. Childhood and Upbringing

Despite growing up in the racing world, Hill initially found the sport boring, perceiving it merely as his father's job. He recalled being taken to races around the world, including the traditional Italian Grand Prix at Monza, without finding them particularly exciting as a child. He even watched his father win the 1969 Monaco Grand Prix from a friend's house, finding it a chore to sit through two hours of racing. This disinterest meant he initially wanted to avoid living under his father's shadow and be a "normal boy."

However, a drastic change in family circumstances occurred in 1975 when his father, Graham Hill, died in a plane crash along with other members of his Embassy Hill racing team. At just 15 years old, Damon Hill, along with his mother and sisters Samantha and Brigitte, faced severe financial hardship. This was because Graham Hill's pilot's license (specifically, the IMC Rating required for flights in UK airspace) had not been updated, and the plane's airworthiness certificate had also expired, leading to the non-payment of insurance claims. This forced the family into a reduced financial state, requiring Damon to work as a labourer and a motorcycle courier to fund his further education and burgeoning motorsport ambitions. It was after his father's death that Hill began to develop a deep interest in racing, feeling a strong desire to reconnect with the world his father had inhabited.

1.3. Early Interests and Activities

Hill's initial foray into competitive activity was in motorcycle trials from 1975 at the age of 14, alongside his academic studies. He enjoyed the freedom of riding trial bikes on vast land and appreciated that his busy father was enthusiastic about maintaining his son's bikes, allowing them to share many experiences through this hobby. This experience of motorcycle riding helped him develop the balance, throttle control, and setup knowledge that would later prove invaluable in car racing.

While working as a motorcycle courier for Apollo Despatch and later Special Delivery in London, he received TZ350 racing bikes. He also explored music, forming a punk rock band called "The Hormones" with friends during his school days. This period was marked by his efforts to earn money for his racing. He famously secured sponsorship from Ricoh, a major copier manufacturer, by visiting their offices as a motorcycle courier. His mother, concerned about the dangers of motorcycle racing, eventually persuaded him to take a racing car course at the Winfield Racing School in France in 1983. Although he showed "above-average aptitude" for car racing, his passion for it grew gradually, leading him to fully transition to four-wheel racing despite initial plans to continue motorcycles.

2.1. Motorcycle Racing

Hill began his motorsport career in motorcycle racing in 1981. He famously adopted his father's distinctive helmet design: eight white oar blades arranged vertically on a dark blue helmet. This design and color scheme represented the London Rowing Club, for which Graham Hill had rowed in the early 1950s. Despite his limited budget, which he supported by working as a building labourer and a motorcycle dispatch rider, he achieved success, winning a 350 cc clubman's championship at the Brands Hatch circuit. He also received TZ350 racing bikes from Special Delivery, his dispatch company. His mother, concerned about the inherent dangers of motorcycle racing, eventually convinced him to pursue car racing in 1983.

2.2. Single-seater Racing

Following his mother's advice, Hill attended the Winfield Racing School in France in 1983, where he made his four-wheel racing debut in a single British Formula Ford 2200 race at age 23. Although he displayed "above-average aptitude," his single-seater appearances remained sporadic until the end of 1984. His first full season in cars was in 1985, when he competed in British Formula Ford 1600, winning six races for Manadient Racing and finishing third and fifth in the two UK national championships. He also secured third place in the 1985 Formula Ford Festival, contributing to the UK's team prize victory.

In 1986, Hill planned to advance to the British Formula Three Championship with the successful West Surrey Racing team. However, the loss of sponsorship from Ricoh and the tragic death of his prospective teammate Bertrand Fabi in a testing accident forced the team to halt operations for the year. Hill secured a drive with Murray Taylor Racing, financing his season by borrowing 100.00 K GBP through a sponsorship deal with Cellnet, negotiated with David Hunt, brother of James Hunt. He had a steady debut season in British F3, and then achieved two wins in both 1987 (with Intersport Racing, finishing 5th in championship) and 1988 (with Cellnet Ricoh Racing/Intersport Team, finishing 3rd in championship). During this period, he also had an F1 test drive with Benetton in January 1988, invited by team manager Peter Collins.

In the late 1980s, the logical progression from Formula Three in Europe was either directly to Formula One or to the International Formula 3000 championship. However, for 1989, Hill lacked sufficient sponsorship for a full F3000 campaign. He adapted his career approach, accepting that he would make the best of any opportunity presented. He participated in a one-off British F3000 championship race, finishing third at Oulton Park and sixth at Brands Hatch. Midway through the 1989 International F3000 season, he joined the uncompetitive Footwork/Mooncraft team (replacing Ukyo Katayama), securing a best finish of 14th. Despite poor results due to the chassis' immaturity, his performance led to an an offer from Middlebridge Racing for 1990.

In the 1990 International Formula 3000 season with Middlebridge Racing (who also acquired Brabham F1 that year, making Hill their test and reserve driver), he earned three pole positions, two fastest laps, and led five races. However, he did not secure a victory in any of his Formula 3000 appearances. He continued in F3000 in 1991 with Barclay Team EJR (a joint venture between Middlebridge and Eddie Jordan's team), achieving one podium finish (third at Nogaro) but still no wins.

2.3. Le Mans 24 Hours and Other Races

Beyond single-seaters, Hill also gained experience in endurance and touring car racing. In 1989, he shared a Porsche 962 for Richard Lloyd Racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car retired after 228 laps due to an engine failure. He also made a limited appearance in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), co-driving a Ford Sierra RS500 at Donington Park, where he finished fourth in a one-hour endurance race. Additionally, he participated in various one-make tin-top racing series during 1987, including MG Metro Turbos, MG Maestros, and Saab 900 Turbos, notably finishing third at Silverstone in the Maestro series and winning at Brands Hatch as a substitute in the Saab series.

3.1. Williams Test Driver and Brabham (1991-1992)

Hill's Formula One journey officially began in 1991 as a test driver for the championship-winning Williams team, a role he continued into 1992 while still competing in the F3000 series. His initial contact with Williams technical director Patrick Head in late 1990, inquiring about a test role, proved pivotal. He considered this a significant opportunity, moving from a less competitive F3000 car directly to one of F1's best.

Mid-season in 1992, Hill secured a race seat with the struggling Brabham team, which was facing severe financial difficulties and nearing collapse. He replaced Giovanna Amati after her sponsorship failed to materialize and debuted at the 1992 Spanish Grand Prix (though his first race start was at the British GP). The team, which his father had also driven for in 1971-1972, lacked competitiveness due to a severe funding shortage. Hill managed to qualify for two races, his home British and the Hungarian Grands Prix, matching his teammate Eric van de Poele. At the British Grand Prix, he finished last while Nigel Mansell won for Williams. The Brabham team folded after the Hungarian Grand Prix, leaving Hill without a full-time drive for the remainder of the season. Despite the team's struggles, Hill expressed gratitude for the opportunity to make his F1 debut, noting that his mother, a pure racing fan, was thrilled.

3.2. Williams (1993-1996)

This period marked Hill's ascent in Formula One, establishing himself as a front-runner and eventually achieving a World Championship title with the dominant Williams team.

3.2.2. 1994 Season

The 1994 season saw Hill partnered by Ayrton Senna at Williams. With the reigning champion, Prost, again not racing, Hill retained his number '0'. Despite preseason predictions favoring Senna, Benetton and Michael Schumacher proved more competitive, winning the first three races. The season took a tragic turn at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix on May 1, when Senna died following a crash while leading. With the team under investigation by Italian authorities, Hill, with only one season's top-level experience, suddenly became the team leader. While early reports suggested a steering column failure in Senna's car, Hill later stated in 2004 that he believed Senna took the corner too fast for the conditions, noting the car had just restarted the race on cold tires after a safety car period.

Hill raced alone for Williams at the subsequent 1994 Monaco Grand Prix, where his race ended in an opening lap multi-car collision. For the next event, the 1994 Spanish Grand Prix, Williams's test driver David Coulthard was promoted to the race team, and Hill impressively won the race, just four weeks after Senna's death.

By mid-season, Schumacher held a significant championship lead of 66 points to Hill's 29. For certain races, including the 1994 French Grand Prix, Frank Williams brought back Nigel Mansell, who was paid approximately 900.00 K GBP per race, significantly more than Hill's 300.00 K GBP for the entire season; however, Hill's position as the lead driver remained undisputed. Hill fought back into title contention after winning the 1994 British Grand Prix, a race his father had never won. Schumacher was controversially disqualified from that race and subsequently banned for two further races for repeatedly overtaking Hill during the formation lap and ignoring black flags. Four more victories for Hill, three of which occurred in races where Schumacher was excluded or disqualified, brought the championship battle down to the final event in Adelaide. At Schumacher's first race back, the 1994 European Grand Prix, he cast doubt on Hill's world-class status. However, in the penultimate race, the rain-soaked 1994 Japanese Grand Prix, Hill masterfully took victory ahead of Schumacher, closing the championship gap to just one point.

The season-closing 1994 Australian Grand Prix saw a controversial collision between Hill and Schumacher, which ultimately decided the title in Schumacher's favor. While leading, Schumacher ran off track and hit the wall with his Benetton. As Hill moved to pass Schumacher into the sixth corner, the two collided, breaking the Williams's front left suspension and forcing both drivers to retire. BBC Formula One commentator Murray Walker often maintained that Schumacher did not intentionally cause the crash, but Williams co-owner Patrick Head later stated in 2006 that the team was "100% certain that Michael was guilty of foul play" but did not protest due to still grieving Senna's death. In 2007, Hill explicitly accused Schumacher of deliberately causing the collision. Hill's season earned him the 1994 BBC Sports Personality of the Year award.

3.2.3. 1995 Season

Entering the 1995 season, Hill was considered a strong title contender. The Williams team was the reigning Constructors' Champion, having defeated Benetton in 1994, and with David Coulthard as his relatively inexperienced teammate, Hill was the undisputed number one driver. The season started promisingly with a pole position in Brazil, though a mechanical problem led to a spin while in the lead, handing the victory to Schumacher. However, wins in the subsequent two races propelled Hill into the championship lead.

Despite this strong start, Schumacher dominated the latter half of the season, winning seven of the next twelve races and securing his second title with two races remaining, while Benetton claimed the Constructors' Championship. Hill and Schumacher were involved in several on-track incidents throughout the season, two of which resulted in suspended one-race bans for both. Schumacher's penalty was for blocking and forcing Hill off the track at the 1995 Belgian Grand Prix; Hill's was for a collision with Schumacher under braking at the 1995 Italian Grand Prix. Hill's season concluded positively with a dominant victory at the 1995 Australian Grand Prix, where he finished two laps ahead of the runner-up, Olivier Panis in a Ligier. Despite strong performances like his Grand Slam (win, pole, fastest lap, led every lap) at the 1995 Hungarian Grand Prix and his commanding Australian GP win, he faced criticism for perceived inconsistency and "weakness under pressure" and a higher number of mistakes. He was also out-qualified by teammate David Coulthard in four consecutive races. Hill later commented that Williams, unlike Benetton, did not employ strategies that might be considered "choosing means to win," which he believed influenced the championship outcome. He finished the season as runner-up for the second consecutive year.

3.2.4. 1996 Season: World Championship and Williams Dismissal Controversy

The 1996 season marked the pinnacle of Damon Hill's career. The Williams FW18 was clearly the dominant car in Formula One, and Hill capitalized on its superiority to win the World Drivers' Championship ahead of his new teammate, reigning IndyCar champion Jacques Villeneuve. This achievement made him the first son of a Formula One champion to win the title himself. Hill enjoyed his most successful season, securing eight wins and consistently qualifying on the front row in all 16 races, a record he shared with Ayrton Senna (1989) and Alain Prost (1993).

At the 1996 Monaco Grand Prix, a race his father had famously won five times in the 1960s, Hill led until an engine failure curtailed his race, allowing Olivier Panis to claim his only Formula One victory. Towards the end of the season, Villeneuve mounted a strong title challenge, taking pole position at the 1996 Japanese Grand Prix, the final race of the year. However, Hill took the lead at the start and, despite an early aggressive move from Gerhard Berger at the chicane, held the lead. When Villeneuve retired due to a wheel falling off on lap 37, Hill's championship was secured. He then completed a dominant victory, leading from start to finish, to cap off his championship-winning season. Hill later stated that winning the 1996 Japanese Grand Prix was more satisfying than his 1994 British Grand Prix victory.

Despite winning the World Championship, Hill controversially learned before the season's close that Williams would not retain him for the following season, opting instead for Heinz-Harald Frentzen. This decision was highly criticized, particularly as Hill was only the fourth driver in nine years to win the title for Williams and then not drive for the team the next season (following Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, and Alain Prost). Despite receiving offers from McLaren, Benetton, and Ferrari, Hill felt he was not adequately valued financially by these top teams, leading him to sign with the less competitive Arrows team.

Hill left Williams as the team's second most successful driver in terms of race victories, with 21 wins, second only to Nigel Mansell. His 1996 World Championship earned him his second BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, making him one of only five individuals to receive the award twice. He was also awarded the Segrave Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club for his outstanding demonstration of transport possibilities.

The decision to dismiss Hill reportedly angered then-Chief Designer Adrian Newey, who was not consulted and subsequently left for McLaren, leading to a legal dispute with Williams. Several other staff members loyal to Hill, including Williams's long-time press officer Ann Bradshaw, also departed. Frank Williams himself later admitted the decision was a "big mistake," and many credit this period as the beginning of Williams's decline. Hill later recounted that Williams provided no detailed explanation for his dismissal, and he believed his unexpected success in 1996 had complicated their plans.

3.3. Arrows (1997)

As the reigning World Champion, Hill made a surprising move to the Arrows team for the 1997 season, a team that had never won a race in its 20-year history and had scored only a single point the previous year. He had considered offers from Stewart Grand Prix but deemed the risk too high for an inaugural team, and rejected offers from Jordan and Prost Grand Prix as they were two-year deals, preferring to keep options open for a move to McLaren with Adrian Newey.

Hill's title defense in 1997 proved challenging. The season started poorly as he barely qualified for the 1997 Australian Grand Prix and then retired on the parade lap before the race even began. The Arrows car, which used tires from series debutant Bridgestone and previously unproven Yamaha engines, was generally uncompetitive. Initially, Hill struggled to finish races, often retiring due to mechanical failures. He did not score his first point for the team until the 1997 British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July. Hill later described this period as a "humiliation for F1," acknowledging that he had to simply "endure" the situation as part of his job.

However, the team's reliability improved after John Barnard joined as Technical Director in May. His best result of the year came at the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix, a low-speed circuit that suited the Arrows' chassis and the Bridgestone tires. On a day when Bridgestone tires had a competitive edge over their Goodyear rivals, Hill qualified an astonishing third in a car that had not previously placed higher than ninth on the grid. During the race, he passed his former rival Michael Schumacher on track and led for much of the race, building a 35-second advantage over eventual 1997 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve. However, a hydraulic problem drastically slowed the Arrows in the final laps, causing him to lose gears and the throttle to stick. Villeneuve passed Hill on the final lap, relegating him to a still remarkable second place. This performance, though not a win, was a turning point, disproving the notion that his previous success was solely due to a superior Williams car. He later stated that his drive felt "like a go-kart," demonstrating the car's perfect setup for the track. He was running sixth at the 1997 Austrian Grand Prix before being overtaken by Schumacher with two laps left, finishing seventh. At the 1997 Luxembourg Grand Prix, he was also running sixth but stalled in a pit stop, finishing eighth. He qualified fourth, just 0.058s off pole, at the final 1997 European Grand Prix, but retired from sixth with a gearbox issue.

3.4. Jordan (1998-1999)

Damon Hill's two seasons with the Jordan team saw him lead the team to its first Grand Prix victory and contribute to its best-ever Constructors' Championship finish.

3.4.1. 1998: Last Career Victory

In the first half of the 1998 season, the Jordan 198 car proved to be off the pace and unreliable. However, performance improvements began to appear around the 1998 Canadian Grand Prix. During that race, Hill climbed to second place as other drivers retired or made pit stops. On lap 38, Michael Schumacher, who had been delayed by a stop-and-go penalty, caught Hill on the home straight. Hill controversially moved across the track three times to block Schumacher, who eventually took the place by driving over the kerbs at the final chicane. Hill then ran fourth after his only pit stop before retiring due to an electrical failure. After the race, Michael Schumacher accused Hill of dangerous driving, to which Hill retorted that Schumacher "cannot claim anyone drives badly when you look at the things he's been up to in his career. He took Frentzen out completely," referring to an earlier incident in the same race.

Hill scored his first point of the year at the 1998 German Grand Prix by finishing fourth. His defining moment with Jordan came at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, held in very wet conditions. Hill started third and, after a multi-car pile-up on the first lap led to a red flag and restart, he took the lead and maintained it. While leading late in the race, with teammate Ralf Schumacher closing rapidly, Hill famously asked the team if they were allowed to race each other. Team principal Eddie Jordan ordered Ralf Schumacher to hold position to secure a historic 1-2 finish. This victory was Hill's first since being dropped by Williams and Jordan's maiden Grand Prix win. Hill concluded the season by passing Frentzen on the last lap of the 1998 Japanese Grand Prix, securing fourth place in the race and propelling Jordan to fourth in that year's Constructors' Championship.

3.4.2. 1999: End of Career

Hopes were high for the 1999 season, but Hill did not enjoy a good year. He struggled with the newly introduced four-grooved tires and was consistently outpaced by his new teammate, Heinz-Harald Frentzen, who had replaced Hill at Williams two years prior. Hill's qualifying record against Frentzen was 2-14, and he scored only 7 points compared to Frentzen's 54.

After a crash at the 1999 Canadian Grand Prix, Hill announced his plans to retire from the sport at the end of the year. However, following a non-finish at the 1999 French Grand Prix, which Frentzen won, he considered quitting immediately. Eddie Jordan persuaded Hill to stay at least for the 1999 British Grand Prix. Leading up to that race weekend, Hill announced he would retire after the Grand Prix, prompting Jordan to test Jos Verstappen as a potential immediate replacement. However, after a strong fifth-place finish at his home event, Hill changed his mind and decided to see out the year.

His best results for the remainder of the season were two sixth-place finishes in Hungary and Belgium. With three races left in 1999, rumors circulated that the Prost team might release Jarno Trulli early, as he had already signed for Jordan's 2000 campaign as Hill's replacement. Simultaneously, his teammate, Frentzen, became a title contender in the final races, eventually finishing third in the championship. Both Hill and Frentzen contributed to Jordan achieving its best-ever third position in the Constructors' Championship. Hill's final race was the 1999 Japanese Grand Prix, where he spun off track and pulled into the pit lane, citing mental fatigue, marking a quiet end to his competitive career.

4.1. Motorsport Administration

In his retirement, Damon Hill remained actively involved with cars and motorsport. In 2000, he co-founded P1 International, a private members' club offering prestige and supercar rentals. He sold his stake in the company in October 2006. Hill also ventured into car dealerships, owning a BMW dealership near Royal Leamington Spa and an Audi dealership in Exeter.

In April 2006, Hill succeeded Jackie Stewart as President of the British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), the organization responsible for managing the British Grand Prix. During his tenure, which lasted until 2011 (when he was succeeded by Derek Warwick), Hill played a crucial role in securing a 17-year contract for Silverstone to host Formula One races. This achievement enabled extensive renovation work at the circuit, ensuring its future as a premier motorsport venue. In 2009, he received an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Northampton in recognition of his successful career and his connections to Northampton through Silverstone and the BRDC.

Hill also served as the driver representative on the stewards' panel at the 2010 Monaco Grand Prix. In a controversial decision, the panel penalized his former rival Michael Schumacher for overtaking under yellow flag conditions. This ruling, which became known as "Overtake Gate," led to Hill receiving hate mail, though he maintained he made the correct ruling based on FIA rules. In June 2018, Hill became the President of the Brooklands Trust Members, the support group for the historic Brooklands Museum.

4.2. Broadcasting and Media Activities

Hill seamlessly transitioned into a prominent role in motorsport broadcasting and media. He made several appearances on British television programs, including Jim'll Fix It (once with his father in 1975 and again in 1995), Top Gear, This is Your Life, TFI Friday, Shooting Stars, and Bang Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer. He also featured in a memorable UK television advertisement for Pizza Hut alongside F1 commentator Murray Walker, who humorously commentated on Hill's meal as if it were a race.

Hill contributed numerous articles to F1 Racing magazine and provided expert analysis in the commentary box for ITV F1, covering for Martin Brundle at the Hungarian Grand Prix in both 2007 and 2008. In January 2012, British Sky Broadcasting signed Hill to join their Formula One presentation team on Sky Sports F1 as a pundit, offering expert analysis during free practice sessions. He remained with Sky Sports F1 as an analyst for 13 seasons, resigning after the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix.

4.3. Business and Other Ventures

Beyond his direct motorsport involvement, Hill engaged in various entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. His co-founding of P1 International and his involvement in car dealerships reflected his business acumen.

Inspired by his son Joshua, who was born with Down syndrome, Hill and his wife Georgie became dedicated patrons of the Down's Syndrome Association. In 2009, he also became the first patron of St. Joseph's Specialist School and College in Cranleigh, Surrey, which caters to children with severe learning disabilities and autism. Hill is also a Patron of the charity Disability Africa, which runs inclusion projects for disabled children in African countries.

Hill has participated in demonstration runs at events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed, driving both cars and motorcycles. In 2005, he tested the new GP2 Series car. In mid-2006, he tested a 600 horsepower Grand Prix Masters single-seater, a series for retired Formula One drivers over 45, though he did not join. In 2012, he participated in the VW Scirocco R-Cup at Brands Hatch to raise funds for the Halow Charity. In October 2012, he drove his father's BRM to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Graham Hill's 1962 F1 World Championship win. He also became an ambassador for the Swiss watch brand CYMA in 2012.

4.4. Autobiography Publication

In 2016, Hill published his autobiography, Watching the Wheels, which offered deeper insights into his life beyond racing. In the book, he bravely revealed his personal struggles with depression, providing a candid look at the mental health challenges he faced, particularly after his father's death and during his racing career.

6.1. Rivalry with Michael Schumacher

The rivalry between Damon Hill and Michael Schumacher defined the mid-1990s in Formula One, marked by fierce championship battles and controversial on-track incidents.

• 1993**: At the 1993 Japanese Grand Prix, Schumacher collided with Hill, causing Schumacher to retire while Hill finished fourth.
• 1994**:
  • British Grand Prix**: Schumacher (qualifying 2nd) illegally overtook pole-sitter Hill twice during the formation lap. After ignoring subsequent five-second stop-go penalties and a black flag, Schumacher was disqualified from the race and handed a two-race ban. Hill won the race.
  • Belgian Grand Prix**: Schumacher initially crossed the finish line first, with Hill second. However, Schumacher was disqualified post-race for a technical infringement, promoting Hill to victory. Schumacher's two-race ban was then enforced, allowing Hill to win the subsequent Italian and Portuguese Grands Prix.
  • Japanese Grand Prix**: In a rain-affected, two-part race, Hill masterfully defeated Schumacher head-to-head, narrowing the championship gap to just one point heading into the final race. Hill recorded the fastest lap.
  • Australian Grand Prix**: The decisive race saw a controversial collision between the two. While leading, Schumacher ran off track and hit a wall. As Hill attempted to overtake, Schumacher turned into him, causing both to retire. This incident handed Schumacher his first World Championship and sparked widespread accusations of deliberate foul play against Schumacher, a charge Hill explicitly leveled in 2007. The rivalry intensified, becoming definitively confrontational after this incident.
• 1995**:
  • British Grand Prix**: While running second, Hill collided with Schumacher while attempting to overtake, leading to both retiring.
  • Belgian Grand Prix**: In wet conditions, Hill again collided with Schumacher while battling for the lead. Schumacher went on to win, but received a suspended one-race ban for dangerous driving.
  • Italian Grand Prix**: Hill collided with Schumacher while attempting to lap Taki Inoue, resulting in both drivers' retirement. Hill received a suspended one-race ban for this incident. Schumacher publicly accused Hill of trying to drive him off the track even after winning the championship.
• 1997**: At the 1997 Japanese Grand Prix, Hill, then a backmarker, was criticized for blocking Schumacher (who was leading) for nearly a lap. Schumacher waved his hand in frustration, but Hill received no penalty.
• 1998**:
  • Canadian Grand Prix**: Hill and Schumacher engaged in a fierce on-track battle. Schumacher accused Hill of dangerous driving for moving across the track multiple times to block him. Hill retorted by referencing Schumacher's earlier incident in the same race, where he forced Heinz-Harald Frentzen off the track.
  • Japanese Grand Prix**: In the championship decider between Schumacher and Mika Häkkinen, Hill (on the same lap as Schumacher) expertly held up Schumacher for several laps, denying him a quick pass.
• Post-retirement**:
  • 1999**: Hill visited Schumacher in the hospital after his crash at the British Grand Prix, demonstrating a softening of their professional animosity.
  • 2000**: Hill, serving as guest editor for F1 Racing magazine, conducted an interview with Schumacher.
  • 2010 Monaco Grand Prix**: As a driver representative on the stewards' panel, Hill penalized Schumacher for an overtake under safety car conditions. This decision led to criticism, with some suggesting bias due to their past rivalry, a claim Hill rejected, asserting he made the correct ruling.

6.2. Relationships with Other Key Figures

Beyond Schumacher, Hill maintained various professional and personal relationships that influenced his career.

• His godfather was fellow racing driver Joakim Bonnier.
• Hill shared a birthday with Stirling Moss and had a good relationship with Phil Hill, another "Hill" in racing, even staying at his home for a period.
• Hill was known for maintaining good relationships with all his teammates, including Mika Häkkinen and Jacques Villeneuve, often described as a well-balanced "nice guy." He shared a famously cordial moment with Villeneuve on the podium after the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix, despite Villeneuve having just passed Hill for the win due to Hill's mechanical issue.
• He openly admired Alain Prost, aiming to emulate his smooth driving style and even declaring himself a "Prostophile" when the Frenchman considered a return to F1. Prost reciprocated, praising Hill's exceptional car development skills.
• Nigel Mansell was an idol for Hill. Mansell strongly advocated for Hill's promotion to Williams in 1993, a gesture Hill said he would "never forget." In 1994, after Senna's death, when Hill struggled with car setup, Mansell, returning for a few races, noticed the same issues and sharply advised the team to listen to Hill, leading to Hill's first pole position that year.
• Hill openly expressed admiration for Juan Pablo Montoya.
• After his 1996 title win at the Japanese Grand Prix, Hill told second-place finisher Mika Häkkinen, "Your day will come." Two years later, when Häkkinen clinched his first title at the same venue, Hill lauded him, saying, "Mika's title is just the first step. He has the power to win the championship many times over."
• Hill attended Ayrton Senna's funeral in 1994 and later testified in the "Ayrton Senna trial." He controversially stated that he believed Senna "made many mistakes" on cold tires at Imola.
• After colliding with Ukyo Katayama at the 1994 German Grand Prix, Katayama reportedly dismissed Hill's complaints by saying, "Because you were slow." Katayama later acknowledged Hill's improved driving, particularly after he moved to Arrows, stating he was "surprised how good a driver he was."
• Hill's musical connections led to friendships with musicians like George Harrison, who provided him with financial support in his early racing career, and members of Def Leppard and The Rolling Stones.

7.1. 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix

After two consecutive races where mechanical issues denied him a maiden victory, Hill qualified second for the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix. When pole-sitter Alain Prost stalled on the formation lap, Hill effectively started from pole. Despite the often disadvantageous inside line at Hungaroring, he maintained his lead into the first corner. He steadily extended his lead over Ayrton Senna, who eventually retired on lap 18. Prost, having climbed to fifth, also fell back due to a rear wing issue, ensuring Hill's clear path to victory. Hill led every lap, finishing 71 seconds ahead of second-place Riccardo Patrese and even lapping fourth-place and below. This race, his 19th F1 entry (13th race start), marked his first Formula One victory, a significant milestone.

7.2. 1994 British Grand Prix

At his home race, the 1994 British Grand Prix, Hill secured his first pole position in Britain, an achievement his father never managed. The race was marred by controversy involving Michael Schumacher, who illegally overtook Hill twice during the formation lap despite regulations. Despite Schumacher starting second, Hill held the lead. Schumacher briefly took the lead after pit stops, but was then handed a five-second stop-go penalty for his earlier infringements, which his team misinterpreted, causing a delay in serving it. Hill reclaimed the lead and held it to the finish, securing an emotional victory at his home event. He received the trophy from Diana, Princess of Wales. Schumacher was later disqualified and banned for two races, along with a 25.00 K USD fine.

7.3. 1994 Japanese Grand Prix

Entering the penultimate race of 1994, the 1994 Japanese Grand Prix, Hill had closed the championship gap to Schumacher to five points. The race, held in torrential rain, was unprecedentedly run in two heats after a red flag due to a multi-car accident. Hill qualified second. In the first heat, he was 6.8s behind Schumacher. For the restart, Williams opted for a single-stop strategy. During his pit stop, a mechanic's error meant one of his rear tires was not changed. Unaware, Hill rejoined the race. Despite running on a severely worn tire and the challenging wet conditions that saw many drivers spin, Hill managed to extend his lead over Schumacher by over 14 seconds by the time Schumacher pitted a second time. He ultimately crossed the line first, winning by a combined 3.3s after both heats. This victory was particularly significant as it was the first time Hill had directly beaten Schumacher on track, narrowing the championship deficit to just one point before the final race.

7.4. 1996 Japanese Grand Prix

The final race of the 1996 season, the 1996 Japanese Grand Prix, was the decisive championship battle. Hill held a nine-point lead over teammate Jacques Villeneuve, meaning he needed just one point to secure the title. Despite Villeneuve taking pole, Hill made a strong start, taking the lead into the first corner. He maintained control of the race, unaffected by a minor collision with Gerhard Berger on lap 2. On lap 37, Villeneuve's right rear wheel detached, forcing his retirement and instantly confirming Hill as the Formula One World Champion. Hill continued to lead, winning the race from start to finish, marking his eighth victory of the season and a triumphant conclusion to his Williams career. Villeneuve gracefully praised Hill's deserving win after the race. Hill later called this win his most satisfying, even more so than his 1994 British Grand Prix victory.

7.5. 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix

Driving for the uncompetitive Arrows team in 1997, Hill's performance at the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix was one of the most remarkable of his career. Leveraging the circuit's low-speed characteristics and the competitive edge of Bridgestone tires, he qualified an impressive third. In the race, he quickly moved into second and then overtook Michael Schumacher on lap 11 to take the lead. Hill dominated, building a lead of over 35 seconds at one point. However, in the closing laps, a hydraulic problem caused his throttle to stick open and the gearbox to become jammed in third gear, severely slowing his car. Despite his valiant efforts, Jacques Villeneuve overtook him on the final lap, relegating Hill to a second-place finish. Although a victory was denied due to a component costing less than 1 GBP (a washer in the hydraulic pump), this performance silenced critics who claimed his previous successes were solely due to superior machinery, showcasing his true talent and ability to extract maximum performance from any car.

7.6. 1998 Belgian Grand Prix

The 1998 Belgian Grand Prix delivered Hill his final Formula One victory and Jordan's first-ever Grand Prix win. In very wet conditions, Hill qualified a season-best third. After a chaotic multi-car pile-up on the first lap led to a red flag and restart, Hill once again made a strong start, taking the lead. He maintained the lead for several laps before Michael Schumacher, who had recovered from an earlier incident, overtook him. However, on lap 25, Schumacher famously collided with David Coulthard while attempting to lap him, forcing Schumacher to retire. This handed the lead back to Hill. With teammate Ralf Schumacher closing rapidly, Hill asked the team about racing for the win, but team principal Eddie Jordan issued orders for Ralf to hold position, securing a historic 1-2 finish for Jordan. This victory was Hill's first since leaving Williams and the only win of his career not achieved with the Williams team.

8.1. Family Life and Charitable Work

Damon Hill is married to Susan "Georgie" George, and they have four children: Oliver, Joshua, Tabitha, and Rosie. The family also includes three dogs and a cat.

The Hill family helmet design, with its dark blue base and eight white oar blades, is a direct inheritance from his father, Graham Hill, representing the London Rowing Club where Graham was a member. Damon experienced firsthand the challenges of living in the shadow of his famous father, particularly after Graham's death led to financial difficulties. He has often spoken about the hardship of being compared to his "great father" early in his career, wishing he could have competed under a different name.

Inspired by their son Joshua, who was born with Down syndrome, Damon and Georgie are deeply committed to philanthropy. They are prominent patrons of the Down's Syndrome Association. In 2009, Hill also became the first patron of St. Joseph's Specialist School and College in Cranleigh, Surrey, which caters to children with severe learning disabilities and autism. He is also a patron of Disability Africa, a charity that implements inclusion projects for disabled children in various African countries.

Their second son, Joshua Hill, initially followed in his father's and grandfather's footsteps, becoming the third generation of the Hill family to pursue a racing career. He competed in the Ginetta Junior Series in 2008, finishing third, and later raced in British Formula Ford and the Formula Renault UK Championship. Despite showing talent, Joshua announced his retirement from motorsport in July 2013 to pursue a career in music. Damon Hill had always maintained a cautious perspective on Joshua's racing, stating, "I'm not going to exaggerate how much he grows. He's just trying it out."

8.2. Music Career

Hill's passion for music developed early. In his youth, he formed a punk rock band called "The Hormones" with school friends. After achieving success in Formula One, his musical endeavors grew. He had the opportunity to play guitar with several famous musicians, including his close friend George Harrison of The Beatles. Harrison even financially supported Hill during his Formula 3 career, a debt Harrison later refused to be repaid. Following Harrison's death, Hill inherited his friend's McLaren F1 car.

Hill also contributed a guitar solo to "Demolition Man," the opening track of Def Leppard's 1999 album Euphoria, an achievement he expressed pride in, noting his guitar could be heard in the fade-out of the platinum-selling track. He frequently performed at the British Grand Prix alongside other Formula One musicians, such as team owner Eddie Jordan. After his retirement from racing at the end of the 1999 season, Hill dedicated more time to music, playing with celebrity bands like Spike Edney's SAS Band and Pat Cash's Wild Colonial Boys. He also formed his own band, "The Conrods," active from 1999 to 2003, performing cover versions of songs by bands like The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, and The Kinks. However, upon becoming president of the BRDC in 2006, Hill stated he had stopped playing the guitar due to being "too busy doing school runs and looking after pets."

9.1. Decorations and Major Awards

Damon Hill was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1997, recognizing his contributions to motorsport. He is one of only five individuals to have received the prestigious BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award twice, earning the honor in both 1994 and 1996. In 1996, he was also awarded the Segrave Trophy by the Royal Automobile Club, an award presented to British nationals who achieve the most outstanding demonstration of the possibilities of transport by land, sea, air, or water.

Beyond these, Hill received various honors from Autosport magazine:

• Autosport British Competition Driver**: 1993, 1995, 1996
• Autosport International Racing Driver Award**: 1994, 1996

In 2009, he was granted an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Northampton, acknowledging his successful career and his connections to the region through Silverstone and the BRDC.

9.2. Historical Assessment and Legacy

Damon Hill holds a unique and distinguished place in Formula One history as the first son of a Formula One World Champion to also win the title himself. Despite initial perceptions that his success was largely attributable to Williams's superior machinery, particularly in his early years with the team and upon his F1 debut at a relatively late age of 31, his later performances, especially with the Arrows team in 1997, largely dispelled these notions. His near-victory at the 1997 Hungarian Grand Prix, in an uncompetitive car, served as a powerful testament to his driving skill and ability to maximize performance in challenging circumstances.

The controversial decision by Williams to drop Hill after his 1996 championship win is often cited as a critical misstep for the team. This move reportedly infuriated chief designer Adrian Newey, leading to his departure to McLaren and contributing significantly to Williams's subsequent decline in competitiveness. Frank Williams himself later admitted this decision was a "big mistake." Over time, the re-evaluation of Hill's capabilities and influence has highlighted his meticulous analytical approach to car setup, his smooth and efficient driving style admired by peers like Alain Prost, and his unique ability to communicate with engineers while driving at the limit, all contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of his legacy as a World Champion.

10.1. Career Summary

10.2. Complete Formula One Results

(Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

^† Did not finish, but was classified as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

10.3. Complete British Formula Three Championship results

(Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

10.4. Complete International Formula 3000 results

(Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)

10.5. Complete British Touring Car Championship results

(Races in bold indicate pole position; races in italics indicate fastest lap.)

‡ Endurance driver

10.6. Complete British Formula 3000 results

(Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)

10.7. 24 Hours of Le Mans results