1996 Formula 1 Champion Damon Hill returns to Williams as team ambassador

Hill remains one of the most recognisable figures of the team’s modern era. After serving as test and reserve driver, he stepped into a race seat in 1993 and secured his maiden Grand Prix victory in Hungary that year. He helped deliver the Constructors’ Championship in 1994 and narrowly missed the Drivers’ title after a dramatic final race collision with Michael Schumacher.

In 1996, Hill claimed 8 victories on his way to the Drivers’ Championship, sealing the crown with an emotional win in Japan. He became the first son of an F1 World Champion to win the title himself.

Across 4 seasons with Williams, Hill scored 21 wins, 20 pole positions and 19 fastest laps, earning widespread acclaim in British sport.

Hill joins a growing ambassador group for 2026. His 1996 team mate Jacques Villeneuve continues for a second season, while Jamie Chadwick also remains part of the programme. Chadwick, a 3 time W Series champion and race winner in multiple categories, will additionally act as adviser to Williams’ new F1 Academy recruit Jade Jacquet.

Hill said: “Williams is truly a special place for me and where some of the defining moments of my career took place. I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this sport and to have achieved what I did, and returning as an Ambassador is a real privilege. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the team’s history and help to support its legacy and future.”

Team Principal James Vowles added: “It’s an honour to welcome Damon back to Atlassian Williams F1 Team as an Ambassador. Few individuals represent this team quite like him. Damon played a defining role in one of the most successful eras in our history, becoming a World Champion with Williams and leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the team today.

“We’re also delighted that Jamie Chadwick and Jacques Villeneuve will continue with us as Ambassadors. Together, they form an impressive line-up that reflects everything Williams stands for: our history, our commitment to opening doors and developing talent, and our ambition to compete at the very highest level again. Having figures like them representing Williams as we move forward is something we’re immensely proud of.”