Damon Hill returns to Williams as official ambassador for 2026 F1 season

1996 Formula 1 world champion Damon Hill is returning to the Williams team as an official ambassador for the 2026 season, filling a role recently vacated by fellow champion Jenson Button. The move coincides with the 30th anniversary of Hill's title triumph with the historic British squad, where he scored 21 of his 22 career Grand Prix victories.

Why it matters:

Hill's return is a powerful symbolic move for Williams as it seeks to reconnect with its championship-winning heritage while building for the future under team principal James Vowles. In an era of massive regulation changes set for 2026, having iconic figures from the team's most successful period publicly aligned with the project boosts morale and commercial appeal, signaling a commitment to returning to the front of the grid.

The details:

• Hill will form a three-person ambassadorial team alongside 1997 world champion and former teammate Jacques Villeneuve and three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick.
• He effectively replaces Jenson Button, who left Williams in February to take on a multi-year ambassador role with Aston Martin.
• Hill's association with Williams is profound, spanning half of his eight-year F1 career and culminating in his 1996 drivers' championship.
• In his role, Hill stated he aims to "celebrate the team’s history and help to support its legacy and future."
• Team principal James Vowles emphasized Hill's defining role in a successful era, saying his legacy "continues to inspire the team today."
• The ambassadorial lineup is designed to reflect Williams' history, commitment to talent development, and competitive ambition.

What's next:

Hill begins his official duties as Williams prepares for the transformative 2026 season, which debuts new technical regulations at the Australian Grand Prix. The team expects to be in the thick of the midfield battle. While Villeneuve (joined 2025) and Chadwick (joined 2024) continue in their roles, Hill's high-profile return provides a fresh wave of nostalgic momentum and expertise as Williams navigates a critical phase in its rebuilding process.