Damon Hill

Damon Hill, a British former racing driver and broadcaster, rose from a childhood shadowed by the tragic loss of his two‑time World Champion father, Graham Hill, to become one of the most celebrated Formula One drivers of the 1990s. Born on 17 September 1960 in Hampstead, London, he began his motorsport journey on motorbikes in 1981 before transitioning to single‑seater cars, where his natural talent quickly became evident through success in British Formula Ford and a podium finish at the 1985 Formula Ford Festival, setting the stage for his ascent to the pinnacle of motorsport. After serving as a test driver for Williams in 1992, Hill debuted in Formula One with the financially struggling Brabham team before being promoted to the Williams race seat for 1993, where he partnered with legends such as Alain Prost and later Ayrton Senna, earning his first Grand Prix victory at the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix and amassing 22 wins across eight seasons. The rivalry with Michael Schumacher defined much of his career; their dramatic collisions, most notably at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix and the 1994 Adelaide collision that decided the championship, added a fierce narrative to Hill’s quest for the title, culminating in his crowning as World Champion in 1996 with eight victories and a dominant performance from pole position in every race. After being dropped by Williams, Hill continued to race for Arrows and Jordan, achieving Jordan’s maiden victory at the rain‑ soaked 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, before retiring at the end of 1999 following a final race at the Japanese Grand Prix. Beyond racing, Hill has contributed to the sport as President of the British Racing Drivers' Club, a Sky Sports F1 analyst, and a patron of several charities, while also pursuing music with his own band, The Conrods, and collaborating with notable artists, illustrating a multifaceted legacy that extends well beyond the racetrack.