Damon Hill celebrates 25th anniversary of his 1996 World Championship win
23 July 2021Marking the 25th anniversary of his World Championship triumph, Damon Hill will be reunited with his title-winning Williams FW18 at The Classic later this month.
After two titanic campaigns finishing runner-up to arch rival Michael Schumacher, Hill finally lifted the Formula One crown in 1996. In doing so he became the only son of a World Champion to take the title at that time, his father Graham having been crowned in both 1962 and 1968.
Now, celebrating the silver jubilee of that heroic achievement, Damon will be rolling back the years with some soul-stirring demonstration laps on Sunday at The Classic (30 July – 1 August).
“While it’s hard to believe that 25 years have now flown by, it’s always an amazing experience for me to get back into that Williams – so many special memories come rushing back,” admitted the Englishman. “Having once again been given the opportunity to drive the car at the British Grand Prix, I’m now really excited to be coming back to Silverstone for another blast at The Classic.”
Back in 1996, Hill won eight Grands Prix in the FW18 and clinched the championship at the final round – a feat which caused an overwhelmed Murray Walker to broadcast the emotional words: “Damon Hill exits the chicane and wins the Japanese Grand Prix. And I’ve got to stop because I’ve got a lump in my throat.”
The evocative sight of the Hill family’s trademark helmet back aboard the blue and white Williams at Silverstone – gloriously accompanied by the sensational soundtrack of its high revving Renault V10 – is certain to bring more lumps back to the throats of all those at The Classic.
“After such a roller-coaster ride, Damon’s title victory was something few of us will ever forget,” admitted Nick Wigley, CEO of The Classic promoter Goose Live Events. “It will be an honour for us to have him and his World Championship winning Williams performing at The Classic – yet another highlight on what’s already an incredible bill.”
While Hill will be attending The Classic on Sunday to meet fans and take to the track, Williams Heritage will be at Silverstone throughout the weekend, displaying the FW18 in garage 26 in the International Paddock.
All those wishing to experience the sights and sounds of Hill back in his Williams must buy their tickets in advance. The price of adult general admission starts at £47 and a three-day weekend ticket is on offer at just £125. Free admission is offered to accompanied children aged 10 and under, while day tickets for those aged between 11 and 15 are priced from just £6.
Providing great value, all tickets for The Classic include admission to both racing paddocks, open trackside grandstand seating, live music concerts on Friday and Saturday evenings, the Village Green Stage, the Shift & Drift Zone as well as much of the fabulous family entertainment on offer including funfair rides and driving experiences.
