Damon Hill OBE

Damon Hill has enjoyed the thrill of speed since he got his first motorbike for passing his Eleven Plus. After a successful career in bike racing he switched to Formula Ford in 1984, graduating to Formula 3 in 1986.

Damon’s first break into Formula 1 came in 1991 when after some success in Formula 3 he became a test driver for the Williams Grand Prix team. He went on to partner Alain Proust on the Williams team for the 1993 season. He then took the first of his 22 victories at the 1993 Hungarian Grand Prix.

During the mid 1990s, Damon was Michael Schumacher’s main rival for the Championship. The two clashed on and off the track. Their collision at the 1994 Australian Grand Prix gave Schumacher his first title by a single point.

Damon became World Champion in 1996 driving the Williams FW18 to victory in eight races, coming second in two.

A year with the TWR Arrows Yamaha team followed in 1997, the year in which he was awarded the OBE.

1998 saw him joining Jordan-Mugen Honda and driving the team to its first victory at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Damon retired from Grand Prix racing in 1999. He continued to develop his passion for music, forming his own group, the Conrods in 2001 and has performed internationally in support of charitable causes.

From 2006-2011, Damon was the president of the British Racing Drivers’ Club, succeeding Jackie Stewart. He presided over the securing of a 17-year contract for Silverstone to hold Formula One races. This then enabled the circuit to see extensive renovation work.

Since 2012, Damon has been part of the Sky broadcasting team.

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