Williams sign F1 champion on 'iconic anniversary'

Williams has reunited with 1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill in the 30th anniversary year of his title-winning campaign.

Hill returns to Grove as an Official Ambassador, rekindling one of the most successful partnerships in the team's storied history.

The Briton was central to a golden era for Williams during the mid-1990s. After two seasons as test and reserve driver, Hill was handed a race seat in 1993 and claimed his maiden grand prix victory in Hungary.

A year later, he helped deliver the constructors' championship and went agonisingly close to the drivers' crown, losing out after a controversial final-race clash with Michael Schumacher.

Redemption arrived in 1996. Hill secured eight victories on his way to the world championship, sealing the title with an emotional triumph in Japan. In doing so, he became the first son of an F1 world champion to lift the crown himself.

Across four seasons with Williams, Hill amassed 21 grand prix wins, 20 pole positions and 19 fastest laps. He also won BBC Sports Personality of the Year honours on two occasions.

Reflecting on his return, 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."

Hill strengthens an ambassadorial line-up for 2026 — in place of Jenson Button, who has joined Aston Martin.

He slots in alongside his former team-mate Jacques Villeneuve, who claimed the 1997 drivers' title after racing alongside Hill the previous year.

Three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick also continues in her role, combining ambassadorial duties with advisory support for Williams' newest F1 Academy recruit, Jade Jacquet, as she embarks on her debut campaign.

Team principal James Vowles underlined the significance of Hill’s return, adding: "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."