The Legacy of Two Generations
Sitting in his Surrey home, Damon Hill is surrounded by memories of his past, a tangible connection to his father, Graham. As he reminisces about his Formula 1 career and the years since his 1996 World Championship, a photograph of Graham in his racing days looms large above him. Damon and Graham, father and son, both world champions, are forever linked by family and sport. Now, their story is set to be shared with the world through a new documentary, which premieres at the Glasgow Film Festival. Directed by Alex Holmes, the film delves into the intense, thrilling, and deeply personal journey of a young man growing up in the shadow of a larger-than-life father, and how he forged his own legend.
A Family Legacy Shaped by Tragedy
Damon’s story begins with his father, Graham Hill, a two-time world champion and a man who earned the nickname "Mr. Monaco" for his five victories in the principality. Graham was a charismatic figure, known for his grace under pressure and his unmistakable moustache. However, the family’s world was turned upside down in 1975 when Graham was killed in a plane crash, just months after retiring from racing. Damon, then 15, learned of his father’s death via a newsflash on television, a moment that left an indelible mark on the young man. "It was unexpected in the most unkind way," Damon reflects. "It really sends a shock wave through you. Once that happens, you realize it can happen to anyone, anytime."
Following in the Tire Tracks
Damon’s decision to follow in his father’s footsteps into Formula 1 was not a straightforward one. "When you’re young, you can’t really believe your world is that fragile," he says. "It really changes you forever." Despite the trauma, Damon found himself drawn to the sport. "I wanted to be myself, not an imitation of him," he explains. "I think if I did try to be like my dad, it was a homage. I knew I couldn’t be him. He was the original."
Damon’s career in Formula 1 was anything but conventional. He started late, switching from motorbikes to cars in his thirties, and found himself in the right place at the right time when he joined the Williams team in 1992. "My career was not ideal," he admits. "I started late, and I switched from bikes to cars late. But the Red Sea opened, and I found myself in Formula 1. It just took off from there."
A Love Story Amidst the Racing
While the documentary delves into Damon’s racing career, it also highlights the personal side of his life. Damon married Georgie Hill in 1988, and they have four children together, including their first-born, Oliver, who has Down’s Syndrome. Georgie’s commentary in the film adds a layer of depth and emotion, making it a love story as much as a racing saga. "Life is what happens when you’re making other plans," Damon says with a smile. "We’ve ridden all these things out, and we’re still together."
The Tragedy of Senna and the Thrill of Racing
1994 was a pivotal year for Damon, marked by a fierce rivalry with Michael Schumacher and the tragic death of his teammate, Ayrton Senna. Senna, a legend in his own right, was a private and intensely competitive individual. "He was an extraordinary person," Damon recalls. "He drove with an anger, a fury that I think he couldn’t control. I think he scared himself, is the truth."
Senna’s death, along with the loss of Roland Ratzenberger, left a profound impact on the sport and on Damon. "It’s very difficult to imagine not doing it," he says. "You get an opportunity in your life, and you don’t want to die holding that opportunity, never having exploited it. That’s almost more frightening."
A Legacy of Scottish Racing
Damon’s story is intertwined with the rich history of Scottish racing. His father, Graham, was a close friend and rival to Jackie Stewart, another Scottish Formula 1 icon. Stewart, along with Jim Clark, was a part of the golden age of British racing. "They were very close in a career sense," Damon says. "They knew they were all doing something very lethal and they respected each other."
Damon’s own journey in racing also led him to the likes of David Coulthard and Dario Franchitti, part of the last wave of great Scottish Formula 1 drivers. "DC is retired, and Dario Franchitti has retired as well," he notes. "So, yeah, what are you going to do about it?" Damon acknowledges the rich history of Scottish racing and the need to promote it. "You need to maybe promote the rich history of Scottish racing drivers," he suggests.
Reflections and Moving Forward
Damon’s world championship in 1996 was a moment of triumph, but it also marked the beginning of new challenges. In his 2016 biography, "Watching the Wheels," he was open about his battles with depression and the loss of identity that often follows a successful career. "We had no template for what happens next," he says. "It’s very nice to have achieved something, but then who are you? Who can you be?"
Today, at 64, Damon reflects on his life with a sense of clarity and understanding. "You can’t really change your fate. You are just blindly following a pattern," he muses. "I think it was unavoidable. It had to be done. It’s the Hamlet dilemma. Do you take arms or just sit there twiddling your fingers and wonder?"
Damon Hill didn’t just sit there. He took arms, and as a result, he will always be a world champion. But that will always be just a part of his story.
