Damon Hill will return to Williams as its official ambassador for the 2026 System 1 marketing campaign, simply weeks after Jenson Button left that position for Aston Martin.
It comes on the thirtieth anniversary of Hill clinching the world title on the British outfit, the place he spent half of his eight-year F1 profession, taking 21 of his 22 grand prix victories.
The 65-year-old will probably be a part of a three-person ambassadorial crew, alongside former team-mate and 1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve plus three-time W Sequence champion Jamie Chadwick.
“Williams is really a particular place for me and the place a number of the defining moments of my profession occurred,” mentioned Hill, who in recent times has been a Sky Sports activities F1 pundit earlier than departing on the finish of 2025.
“I really feel extremely fortunate to have been a part of this sport and to have achieved what I did, and returning as an envoy is an actual privilege. It’s a possibility to have a good time the crew’s historical past and assist to help its legacy and future.”
Hill is successfully changing fellow world champion Button, who earlier in February introduced that he had departed Williams to grow to be an envoy at Aston Martin on a multi-year foundation.
Damon Hill grew to become world champion on the 1996 Japanese GP
Picture by: Sutton Photos
The Briton, who made his F1 debut with Williams in 2000, held his job on the Grove-based squad for 5 seasons, however is now supporting Aston’s “media, companion and business” actions.
This comes forward of the 2026 season, which can debut wholesale regulation modifications on the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on 6-8 March, the place Williams will arrive anticipating to be firmly within the midfield struggle.
“It’s an honour to welcome Damon again to Williams,” mentioned crew principal James Vowles. “Few people signify this crew fairly like him.
“Damon performed a defining position in one of the profitable eras in our historical past, turning into a world champion with Williams and leaving a legacy that continues to encourage the crew at this time.
“We’re additionally delighted that Jamie Chadwick and Jacques Villeneuve will proceed with us as ambassadors.
“Collectively, they type a formidable line-up that displays all the things Williams stands for: our historical past, our dedication to opening doorways and creating expertise, and our ambition to compete on the very highest degree once more.
“Having figures like them representing Williams as we transfer ahead is one thing we’re immensely pleased with.”
Though this’ll be Hill’s first season within the job, Villeneuve, who’s the final driver to have gained Williams the world title, joined in 2025 whereas Chadwick began in 2024 and he or she may also advise the crew’s newest F1 Academy recruit Jade Jacquet.
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