Damon Hill, the legendary former Formula 1 world champion, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to Williams Racing for the opportunity to take the wheel of one of their most iconic cars once again. This wasn’t just any car; it was the celebrated FW18, the very machine that propelled him to his 1996 championship victory.
During the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed, which wrapped up on Sunday, Hill made a triumphant return to the hill climb, showcasing the stunning vehicle designed by Adrian Newey and Patrick Head. His run was a nostalgic reminder of a golden era in motorsport, where Hill clinched eight wins out of 16 races, leaving his rookie teammate Jacques Villeneuve in second place, while Michael Schumacher trailed behind.
In a heartfelt social media post, Hill shared a video of his exhilarating drive, thanking Williams and the festival for “one last blast of the old girl.” This year marks three decades since Hill’s historic championship win, and the unmistakable sound of the V10 engine echoed through the hills, stirring emotions and memories of a time when F1 cars roared with a distinct power.
Interestingly, the FW18 also holds a special place in F1 history as the last car designed by Newey for Williams before he transitioned to McLaren, where he would go on to create the championship-winning MP4/13 for Mika Hakkinen in 1998.
Among all the remarkable displays at Goodwood, Hill’s drive in the FW18 stood out as one of the most memorable moments of the event. What other surprises might the world of motorsport have in store as it seeks to recapture the magic of its past?
