Damon Hill: Driver

The first son of a world champion to win the title (and until Nico Rosberg, the only one) – the challenges Damon Hill had to overcome make his success all the more admirable. When his father was killed in a light aircraft accident (when Damon was fifteen), the family were left in difficult financial as well as emotional circumstances.

Working Life

Damon Hill worked as a labourer and motorbike courier to finance his education and started his racing career on two wheels; going on to win the 350cc Clubman’s Cup at Brands Hatch.

Damon Test Driver

Whilst working as a test driver with Williams, Damon made his F1 debut for the then impoverished Brabham team. After an inauspicious start, he took the first of his 22 victories at the Hungarian Grand Prix, for Williams the following year.

https://youtu.be/JS8dszlE17g

Damon’s controversial rivalry with Michael Schumacher, both on and off the track, provided rich fodder for the motor racing press through the mid nineties. When the two collided at the Australian Grand Prix, Schumacher snatched his first title by a single point. Two years later, after another Schumacher victory and a runner up placing; Damon took eight victories and eventually the world championship.

https://youtu.be/r5ASe2DlYPU

In January 2012, Damon Hill joined Sky Sports F1 HD channel as a presenter for the F1 2012 season. Three years later, Damon retired from the sport, after 122 races. He then took on the role of President of the British Racing Drivers’ Club; succeeding Jackie Stewart, a role he continued until August 2011.

Damon Hill & Silverstone

He presided over the securing of a 17 year contract for Silverstone to hold F1 races; which enabled the circuit to see extensive renovation work. As British Racing Drivers’ Club President, the former Formula 1 World Champion managed to secure the long term future of Silverstone.

After dinner Damon Hill talks about his rivalry with Schumacher; living in the fast lane while practising self discipline and playing guitar on a Def Leppard album. Damon recounts life on the circuit, how he found the self discipline to succeed.