Williams is bringing back a historic pairing. Jamie Chadwick has also been confirmed.
Williams goes back to 1996: the Hill-Villeneuve “duo” reunited
A leap back 30 years — a revival that takes Williams fans straight to the team’s last great winning cycle at Grove. That is the best way to sum up the British outfit’s “new signing”: Damon Hill, the 1996 Formula 1 World Champion who claimed his title driving for Sir Frank Williams’ team.
The Brit will take on the role of official team ambassador, stepping into the position previously held by Jenson Button, who has since moved to Aston Martin. Hill now joins a high-profile group of ambassadors that already includes Jacques Villeneuve — reuniting the iconic 1996 driver pairing — as well as Jamie Chadwick.
Chadwick, a three-time W Series champion, will also act as mentor to Williams’ young F1 Academy entrant Jade Jacquet, further strengthening the team’s commitment to nurturing future talent alongside celebrating its rich heritage.
Hill’s words
“Williams is truly a special place for me, where I experienced some of the most significant moments of my career,” commented the 1996 world champion. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of this sport and to have achieved the results I did, and returning as an ambassador is a real privilege. It is an opportunity to celebrate the team’s history and help support its legacy and its future.”
James Vowles’ comments
“It is an honour to welcome Damon back to Williams as ambassador,” added team principal James Vowles. “Very few people represent this team the way he does. Damon played a crucial role in one of the most successful eras in our history, becoming World Champion with Williams and leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the team today.
“We are also delighted that Jamie and Jacques will continue working with us as ambassadors. Together, they form an extraordinary group that reflects everything Williams stands for: our history, our commitment to opening new doors and developing talent, and our ambition to compete again at the very highest level. Having figures like them representing Williams as we move forward is something we are immensely proud of.”
This nostalgic yet forward-thinking move highlights the team’s desire to reconnect with its fans through its heritage while simultaneously pushing for modern success. With Hill, Villeneuve, and Chadwick on board, Williams boasts a diverse and experienced representative core that spans across generations of racing excellence. This lineup will be crucial for the team’s commercial and public relations efforts as they aim to return to the front of the grid in the coming seasons.