Damon Hill

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Lore & Background

Hill's journey to Williams began unexpectedly when he replaced Giovanna Amati as a test driver for the reigning champions in 1992. His promotion to race car driver in 1993 came ahead of more experienced candidates like Martin Brundle and Mika Häkkinen, placing him alongside triple World Champion Alain Prost. As the junior partner, Hill drove the car bearing number '0', a rare honor that had never officially been used in the World Championship before 1993. His debut season saw him secure his first podium in Brazil, finishing second behind Ayrton Senna. The mid-1990s defined his career as he engaged in a fierce rivalry with Michael Schumacher, clashing several times on and off the track. Their collision at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix handed Schumacher his first title by a single point, but Hill rebounded to dominate 1996.

In Their Own Story

The 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix marked a turning point for Damon Hill at Williams. Starting his first full season with the team, he finally converted his potential into victory on the Hungaroring circuit. This win was just the beginning of a successful partnership that would see him challenge for the title against Michael Schumacher in subsequent years. The 1994 Australian Grand Prix remains a painful memory; a collision with Schumacher at Adelaide cost Hill the championship by a single point, handing the title to his rival. Despite this setback, Hill's resilience shone through in 1996. Driving the Williams FW18, he navigated a competitive field and internal pressure to claim the World Drivers' Championship with eight wins. His victory was celebrated as a personal triumph over years of near-misses and tragedy, proving he could stand tall under the weight of his father's legacy.

Reader's Guide

Damon Hill joined Williams in 1993 following Riccardo Patrese's departure to drive for Benetton. He took over the number '0' plate as Alain Prost's teammate, becoming only the second driver in history to use that designation after Jody Scheckter. His tenure with the team spanned four seasons from 1993 to 1996. Key moments include his first victory at the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix and his intense rivalry with Michael Schumacher, which featured a decisive collision at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix that denied him the title by one point. Hill redeemed himself in 1996, winning eight races to secure the World Drivers' Championship.

Did You Know?

• Hill drove the number '0' car in 1993, making him the first and only driver to officially race with that number in the World Championship.
• He started his motorsport career on motorbikes in 1981, winning a 350 cc clubman's championship at Brands Hatch while working as a building labourer.
• Hill and Michael Schumacher clashed multiple times during the mid-1990s, with their collision at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix deciding the title by a single point in Schumacher's favor.
• After leaving Williams following the 1996 championship season, Hill drove for Arrows and Jordan, giving Jordan their first-ever win in 1998.