The Goodwood Festival of Speed, scheduled to take place from July 9 to 12 this year, is set to be a particularly significant occasion for the Williams Formula 1 team. The Grove-based outfit will take center stage as its ambassador, Damon Hill, prepares to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his 1996 Formula 1 World Championship triumph during the 2026 edition of the iconic event. As part of the celebrations, the British champion will be honoured on Saturday, July 11, from the balcony of Goodwood House in front of a passionate home crowd.
The Williams ambassador will also take part in the famous hill climb, driving the legendary FW18—the very car with which he secured his world title three decades ago. Joining him for the event will be Williams team principal James Vowles, who previously took part in the 2025 edition driving Nigel Mansell’s FW14B. Also in attendance will be reserve driver Luke Browning, who will make his debut at the Goodwood Hill Climb, and Jamie Chadwick, Williams ambassador and advisor to the F1 Academy. Chadwick will be making her third appearance at the Festival, having driven the FW08 in 2023 and later the FW14B in 2025.
Williams and Hill set to headline the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed
Already expressing his gratitude for the upcoming celebration on July 11, Damon Hill said: “I am absolutely delighted and incredibly excited to be reunited with my FW18, the car with which I won the World Championship, and with Williams. Without the support of the team, none of this would have been possible. Seeing the car return to Goodwood 30 years after that victory and sharing that moment with the fans is truly incredible. The people at Grove have worked tirelessly to ensure the FW18 is ready to run again. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel!”
These comments were followed by those of Williams team principal James Vowles, who added: “Goodwood is an incredibly special event that showcases the very best of British motorsport, and it is an honour to take part in the hill climb alongside Damon, Jamie and Luke this year. Seeing Damon behind the wheel of the FW18 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of his Drivers’ World Championship is hugely meaningful for the team and for all motorsport fans. We are extremely proud to be able to celebrate this moment together—a moment where past, present and future come together.”
The final word came from the founder of the Festival of Speed, the Duke of Richmond, who said: “Formula 1 has always been an integral part of the Festival of Speed, ever since its inception. Back in 1994, Williams was one of the very first teams to take part. Our fans are passionate about modern Formula 1, but they also have a deep appreciation for the sport’s history, and I am sure they will be thrilled to see the Williams team over the course of the weekend. It will be fantastic to watch James, Jamie and Luke in action. However, the most special moment for me will undoubtedly be paying tribute to Damon on the 30th anniversary of his World Championship. Damon has been an ambassador since the very first edition of the Festival of Speed and remains one of Goodwood’s most loyal supporters. I am immensely grateful to the Williams F1 Heritage team for their support in restoring and preparing the FW18 for this truly special occasion.”
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