Why it matters
Damon Hill, the 1996 F1 World Champion, recently reflected on his challenging relationship with Sir Frank Williams, the co-founder of the Williams F1 team. Despite achieving his greatest success with the team, Hill found it nearly impossible to have a meaningful conversation with Williams, who later gave him a unique compliment.
The communication barrier
Hill joined Williams as a test driver before becoming a race driver in 1993. Over his tenure, 21 of his 22 Grand Prix victories were with Williams, culminating in his sole Drivers' Championship in 1996. However, Hill revealed to The Guardian that communicating with Sir Frank was a constant struggle.
- "I could never have a conversation with Frank," Hill stated, noting others found him chatty.
- He often found himself in awkward silences, with Williams staring at his tea, prompting Hill to ask if he should leave.
A post-exit compliment
Despite winning the 1996 title, Hill's contract was not renewed, with Williams opting for Heinz-Harald Frentzen to partner Jacques Villeneuve. While initially painful, Hill understood the team's decision given their operational scale. Later, Sir Frank expressed a form of regret.
- Williams admitted, "We should have kept you on," a statement Hill appreciated, though it came late.
- More significantly, Sir Frank complimented Hill after his departure, calling him a "tough bastard" – a high praise from the notoriously stoic team boss.
Beyond Williams
After leaving Williams, Hill raced for Arrows in 1997 and then Jordan. He famously secured Jordan's first-ever victory at the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix, leading a one-two finish with teammate Ralf Schumacher. That race also saw a heated confrontation between Michael Schumacher and Eddie Jordan following Michael's collision with David Coulthard.