Damon Hill returns to Williams as ambassador in 30th anniversary year of his title

Three decades after winning the Formula 1 World Championship with Williams, Damon Hill is returning to the team as an Official Ambassador. The move reunites one of the sport's most iconic partnerships and signals Williams's intent to reconnect with its championship-winning heritage as it continues its modern rebuild under Team Principal James Vowles.

Why it matters:

Hill's return is a powerful symbolic gesture for a historic team in transition. It bridges the gap between Williams's dominant past and its ambitious future, using the credibility and spirit of a beloved champion to strengthen the team's brand identity. In an era where team culture and legacy are valuable assets, aligning with a figure who embodies resilience and success provides intangible momentum.

The Details:

• The appointment fills the ambassador role vacated by Jenson Button, who moved to Aston Martin for the 2024 season.
• Hill joins an existing ambassador lineup that includes his former teammate and 1997 world champion, Jacques Villeneuve, and three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick.
• In a statement, Hill called Williams a "special place" and cited the opportunity to celebrate the team's history and support its future legacy as a key reason for his return.
• Team Principal James Vowles emphasized that Hill represents the team's successful history and its current ambitions, stating the ambassador group reflects everything Williams "stands for."
• The announcement coincides with the 30th anniversary of Hill's 1996 world championship victory, adding a layer of nostalgia and celebration to the partnership.

What's next:

Hill’s role is expected to involve representing the team at events and in media, acting as a living link to its golden era. For Williams, this is part of a broader strategy to bolster its profile and internal culture as it works towards becoming more competitive on track, with significant regulatory changes on the horizon for 2026. The presence of champions like Hill and Villeneuve, alongside a development-focused ambassador like Chadwick, creates a multifaceted narrative of past glory and future potential for the Grove-based squad.