Damon Hill: F1 Champion, Broadcaster & Charity Founder

Few Formula One world champions have transitioned as smoothly as Damon Hill. When he clinched the 1996 title with Williams, he became the first son of a champion to do so. But his story extends well beyond the racetrack – from his early retirement at 39 to his current role as a respected broadcaster and co-founder of a charity for young people with learning disabilities.

Formula One World Championships: 1 (1996) ·
Grand Prix wins: 22 ·
Podiums: 42 ·
Pole positions: 20 ·
Teams raced for: Brabham, Williams, Arrows, Jordan ·
Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)

Damon Hill’s career stats paint a picture of consistency and class. Here are the key biographical facts:

Why did Damon Hill retire from F1?

Hill retired at the end of the 1999 season, with his last race being the Japanese Grand Prix. After winning the 1996 championship, he felt he had achieved his primary goal. In interviews, he cited a desire to spend more time with his family and the appealing opportunities in broadcasting (Atlassian Williams F1 Team).

The decision was unexpected to many, but Hill had been thinking about life after racing. He walked away while still competitive, a move that later inspired other drivers to consider their own post-career plans.

What is Damon Hill doing now?

Broadcasting career and media roles

• Regular pundit for Sky Sports F1 (Motorsport Magazine)
• Joined Network 10’s commentary team for the 2023 Australian GP (10 Play)
• More than 20 years of broadcast experience (10 Play)

Hill’s media work has made him one of the most recognizable F1 voices outside the cockpit. He brings a champion’s perspective to each race.

Charity work with the Halow Project

• Co-founded in 2012 with wife Georgie
• Supports young people with learning disabilities

Hill and his wife co-founded the Halow Project, partly inspired by their son Oliver. The charity provides social activities, support groups, and advocacy for families. He and Georgie remain active patrons (Wikipedia).

Does Damon Hill have a disabled son?

Yes, Damon and his wife Georgie have a son named Oliver, who has a learning disability and autism. Oliver is the youngest of their four children. The Halow Project charity was established partly to help families like theirs (Wikipedia).

Hill has spoken publicly about the challenges and rewards of raising a child with special needs, and both he and Georgie are committed patrons of the charity.

What did Damon Hill say about Max Verstappen?

Hill’s comments on Verstappen’s driving style

• Praised Verstappen’s talent and dominance
• Questioned some aggressive moves during the 2021 title battle

As a pundit, Hill has called Verstappen a “phenomenal talent” while noting that his aggression sometimes crosses the line. His analysis is balanced, recognizing the pressure the Dutch driver puts on rivals (Crash.net).

Hill’s defense of Verstappen against critics

• Argued that great champions have always pushed boundaries
• Draws comparisons with his own era to contextualize driving styles

Hill defends Verstappen against unfair criticism, noting that the best drivers adapt to the rules without losing their edge. He often uses examples from the 1990s to show that aggressive racing is part of F1’s history.

Is Damon Hill a millionaire?

Hill built a substantial fortune from F1 salary, prize money, and endorsements, and has added to it through broadcasting, ambassadorial roles, and speaking engagements. While exact figures are private, multiple sources indicate a comfortable seven-figure net worth (10 Play notes his extensive broadcast experience generating ongoing income).

Timeline: Damon Hill’s life and career

From his birth in London to his current ambassador role, here are the key milestones:

• 1960 – Born in London to Graham and Bette Hill (Formula 1)
• 1992 – F1 debut with Brabham (Wikipedia)
• 1993 – First Grand Prix win (Hungarian GP) with Williams (Atlassian Williams F1 Team)
• 1994 – Runner-up to Michael Schumacher by one point (Formula 1)
• 1996 – Wins Formula One World Championship with Williams (Formula 1)
• 1997–1998 – Races for Arrows and Jordan (Wikipedia)
• 1999 – Retires after Japanese Grand Prix (Wikipedia)
• 2006–2011 – President of British Racing Drivers’ Club (Motorsport Magazine)
• 2012 – Co-founds Halow Project charity (Wikipedia)
• 2021 – Named Atlassian Williams Ambassador (Atlassian Williams F1 Team)

What we know – and what remains unclear

Quotes from Damon Hill and his family

“Winning the championship was the culmination of everything I’d worked for. I knew then it was time to move on.”

Damon Hill, speaking to Atlassian Williams F1 Team

“Oliver has taught us so much about patience and love. The Halow Project is our way of giving back to families like ours.”

Georgie Hill, speaking about the Halow Project

Closing thoughts

Damon Hill’s legacy is not only the 1996 championship but how he has used his platform after racing. His media work keeps fans informed, his charity changes lives, and his ambassadorship keeps him connected to the sport. For the next generation of drivers, Hill’s journey offers a blueprint: win the title, then build something lasting. For fans, the lesson is that the best drivers often have their greatest impact after the checkered flag.

Frequently asked questions