Williams reunite Damon Hill his Formula 1 Title-winning FW18 at 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed

The iconic car, which delivered Hill the 1996 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, will run up the famous hillclimb as part of celebrations marking 30 years since that title triumph. Hill will also be honoured on the balcony of Goodwood House on Saturday 11 July, in recognition of his place in the sport’s history.

Williams Team Principal James Vowles is also set to drive the FW18, one of the most dominant cars in Formula 1 history, having secured 12 wins from 16 races in 1996 on the way to the team’s eighth Constructors’ Championship. The car returns to action following a full restoration by Williams Heritage to period-correct specification.

Vowles will be joined by reserve driver Luke Browning, who makes his Goodwood hillclimb debut amid an encouraging season balancing his Williams duties with a Super Formula campaign in Japan. Browning impressed in the opening round by climbing from P21 to P4, following a strong 2025 Formula 2 season in which he finished fourth overall.

Jamie Chadwick returns to the Festival of Speed once again, continuing her association with Williams machinery after previous outings in the FW08 and FW14B. Since her last appearance, Chadwick has raced in the European Le Mans Series, becoming the first female driver to secure an outright victory in the LMP2 category.

Vowles said: “Goodwood is an incredibly special event that showcases the best of British motorsport, and it's an honour to be taking on the hillclimb alongside Damon, Jamie and Luke this year.

“To see Damon reunited with the FW18 as we mark 30 years since his World Drivers' Championship is hugely meaningful for the team and for motorsport fans. Moments like these bring together our past, present and future, and that's something we're proud to celebrate.”

Hill added: “I am delighted and very excited to be reunited with my championship-winning FW18 and Williams who made it all possible at this summer's Festival of Speed.

“To see the car return to Goodwood 30 years later, and to share that moment with the fans, is truly amazing. Thanks to the team at Grove for their work in getting the FW18 back on track. I'm looking forward to getting back behind the wheel!”

Festival founder Charles Gordon-Lennox highlighted the significance of the occasion: “Formula 1 has been an essential part of the Festival of Speed since the very early days, and Williams were one of the first teams to appear, way back in 1994.

“It will be fantastic to see James, Jamie and Luke in action, but the most special moment for me will be honouring Damon, on the 30th anniversary of his World Championship.”

The appearance underlines Williams’ ongoing effort to celebrate its heritage while connecting with a new generation of drivers and fans, with the FW18 once again set to take centre stage at one of motorsport’s most iconic events.